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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Review

A review of pears (Pyrus spp.), ancient functional food for modern times

Authors: Sung-Yong Hong, Ephraim Lansky, Sam-Sog Kang, Mihi Yang

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Pears have been world-widely used as a sweet and nutritious food and a folk medicine for more than two millennia.

Methods

We conducted a review from ancient literatures to current reports to extract evidence-based functions of pears.

Results

We found that pears have many active compounds, e.g., flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids including arbutin, chlorogenic acid, malaxinic acid, etc. Most of researchers agree that the beneficial compounds are concentrated in the peels. From various in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, the medicinal functions of pears can be summarized as anti-diabetic,-obese, −hyperlipidemic, −inflammatory, −mutagenic, and -carcinogenic effects, detoxification of xenobiotics, respiratory and cardio-protective effects, and skin whitening effects. Therefore, pears seem to be even effective for prevention from Covid-19 or PM_2.5 among high susceptible people with multiple underlying diseases.

Conclusion

For the current or post Covid-19 era, pears have potential for functional food or medicine for both of communicable and non-communicable disease.

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Title: A review of pears (Pyrus spp.), ancient functional food for modern times
Authors: Sung-Yong Hong
Ephraim Lansky
Sam-Sog Kang
Mihi Yang
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03392-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A review of pears (Pyrus spp.), ancient functional food for modern times

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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