Chinese Quince

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis) is the dried fruit of a small tree native to East Asia, used in traditional Chinese medicine (mu gua) for cough, sore throat, joint discomfort and digestion.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cough and respiratory symptoms (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional Chinese medicine use; limited modern clinical evidence.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical data only.

How it works

Chinese quince fruit contains tannins, organic acids (malic, citric, ascorbic), triterpenoids (such as oleanolic and ursolic acid), and polysaccharides. Preclinical studies have explored anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral effects of these constituents. Triterpenes like oleanolic acid may modulate inflammatory signaling, while polysaccharides have been studied for immunomodulatory effects. Most data are from cell-culture and animal models; human clinical evidence is sparse.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional Chinese medicine references list 6-9 g of dried fruit per day in decoction.

When and how to take it

Traditional teas are often taken between meals or for symptom relief.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried fruit (mu gua)

Used in Chinese herbal decoctions.

Traditional preparation.

Dry extract

Used in capsules or liquid extracts.

Variable.

Safety

Generally well tolerated as a food and traditional medicine. High tannin content may cause stomach upset or constipation. Limited modern safety data on concentrated extracts.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in people with constipation or who are on iron supplementation (separate by 1-2 hours).

Interactions

Tannins may interfere with iron and some medication absorption when taken simultaneously.

Food sources

Chinese quince (mu gua) tea

Amount
1 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is Chinese quince the same as the quince in jam?⌄

It is a related but different species. Common quince is Cydonia oblonga; Chinese quince is Pseudocydonia sinensis.

Will Chinese quince help my cough?⌄

Traditional use suggests yes, but rigorous clinical evidence is limited.

References

Chinese Quince on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Chinese Quince on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Chinese Quince (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Chinese Quince with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.