Quince

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Bedana, Cognassier, Coing, Coudonnier, Cydonia oblongata, Cydonia vulgaris, Marmelo, Membrillo, Pommier de Cydon, Pyrus cydonia, Quitte, Quittenbaum.

Overview

Quince is a plant. The seed is used as medicine.

People take quince as a powder, extract, or tea for digestive disorders including stomach and intestinal pain (gastrointestinal inflammation), as well as diarrhea. Quince is also used for cough.

Some people apply quince directly as a compress or poultice for injuries, swollen and painful joints, nipple soreness, and gashed or deeply cut fingers. A lotion is used to soothe the eyes.

In foods, quince fruit is used to make jam, jelly, marmalade, and pudding. It is also used to make juice and wine.

How does work?

There isn't enough information to know how quince might work.

Uses

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Digestive disorders.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Coughs.
  • Stomach and intestinal swelling (inflammation).
  • Skin injuries, when applied to the skin.
  • Swollen and painful joints, when applied to the skin.
  • Eye discomfort, when applied as a lotion.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of quince for these uses.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Side Effects

There isn't enough information to know if quince is safe for medicinal use. The seeds contain cyanide, which suggests that quince seeds might not be safe.

Precautions

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of quince during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions


Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Quince contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking quince at the same time you take medications by mouth can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction take quince at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of quince depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for quince. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.