# Medlar (Mespilus germanica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/medlar
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Mespilus germanica, Common Medlar, European Medlar, German Medlar, Dutch Medlar, Openarse, Dog's Bottom, Nèfle

## Overview

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a heritage fruit containing phenolic compounds and tannins that demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals and reducing metal ions. The fruit's tannin content has been traditionally utilized for managing intestinal disorders, particularly diarrhea.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through phenolic compounds that scavenge free radicals (O2•-, H2O2) and reduce Fe3+/Cu2+ ions (in vitro evidence only) • Traditional use for intestinal disorders including diarrhea management due to tannin content (historical evidence only) • Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through flavonoids and polyphenols (preliminary in vitro evidence) • Traditional support for [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) in Iranian medicine for hypertension and irregular heartbeat (historical use only) • Growth and [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) enhancement demonstrated in animal models (fish studies only, no human data)

## Mechanism of Action

Medlar's phenolic compounds exert [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects by scavenging superoxide anions (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) while reducing ferric (Fe3+) and cupric (Cu2+) ions through electron donation. The fruit's tannin content binds to proteins in the intestinal tract, potentially reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and fluid secretion. These mechanisms may contribute to astringent properties that help manage diarrheal conditions.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for medlar is limited to in vitro studies demonstrating [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) of phenolic extracts, with no published clinical trials on human subjects. Traditional use documentation exists for intestinal disorders, but lacks controlled clinical validation. Most available research consists of phytochemical analyses identifying tannin and phenolic content rather than therapeutic efficacy studies. The evidence base remains insufficient to support specific health claims beyond traditional historical use.

## Nutritional Profile

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) per 100g fresh weight (fully bletted/ripened fruit): Macronutrients: Carbohydrates 20-28g (primarily glucose, fructose, and sucrose; starch converts to sugars during bletting), Dietary fiber 3-6g (pectin-rich, including soluble and insoluble fractions), Protein 0.4-0.5g, Fat 0.3-0.5g, Water 60-75g (varies significantly with bletting stage), Energy approximately 85-100 kcal. Micronutrients: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 1-2mg (notably low compared to other fruits; degrades substantially during bletting process), Potassium 250-300mg (most abundant mineral), Calcium 30-40mg, Phosphorus 20-30mg, Magnesium 10-15mg, Iron 0.7-1.2mg, Manganese 0.3-0.5mg, Copper 0.1-0.2mg, Zinc 0.1-0.2mg, small amounts of B vitamins including thiamine (B1) ~0.02mg, riboflavin (B2) ~0.03mg, niacin (B3) ~0.3mg. Bioactive Compounds: Total phenolics 200-800mg GAE/100g fresh weight (highly variable by ripeness and cultivar); Tannins (primarily hydrolysable tannins including ellagitannins and gallotannins) 50-300mg/100g — substantially reduced during bletting; Flavonoids including quercetin glycosides, kaempferol derivatives, and catechins/epicatechins (procyanidins) 50-150mg/100g; Chlorogenic acid and other hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives 20-80mg/100g; Triterpenic acids including ursolic acid and oleanolic acid present in skin fractions; Pectin content 1-2g/100g contributing to gel-forming soluble fiber. Bioavailability Notes: Polyphenol bioavailability is moderate and dependent on gut microbiota [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); tannins may bind dietary iron and reduce its absorption (consume separately from iron-rich foods); bletting process dramatically reduces tannin astringency and concentration while increasing sugar availability; pectin fractions enhance viscosity in the gut potentially slowing glucose absorption; data primarily from European cultivars and largely limited to in vitro or animal studies with human bioavailability data sparse.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist due to the absence of human trials. Traditional preparations include bletted fruit pulp or syrup, but specific standardized doses have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No specific safety data or contraindications have been established for medlar fruit supplements due to limited research. As with other tannin-rich fruits, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal irritation or constipation. No known drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions with iron absorption may occur due to tannin content. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for medlar (Mespilus germanica). Available evidence is limited to in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays, animal studies in fish, and traditional uses without controlled human data. One review (PMID: 38586220) notes potential anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties from phenolic content but cites no human trials.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Medlar has been used since the Middle Ages in European herbalism for intestinal disorders, with the bletted pulp or syrup used for both diarrhea and constipation. In Iranian traditional medicine, fruits treat hypertension and irregular heartbeat, leaves counter mouth/throat infections, and seeds act as lithontriptics for kidney/bladder stones.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, quercetin, green tea extract, grape seed extract, bilberry

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds make medlar fruit beneficial?

Medlar contains phenolic compounds and tannins that provide antioxidant activity. The tannins specifically contribute to the fruit's traditional use for digestive issues through astringent properties.

### Is there clinical research on medlar supplements?

No clinical trials have been published on medlar fruit supplements in humans. Current evidence is limited to in vitro antioxidant studies and traditional use documentation.

### Can medlar fruit help with digestive problems?

Medlar has traditional use for intestinal disorders like diarrhea due to its tannin content, but this lacks clinical validation. The astringent properties may theoretically help manage digestive issues.

### What is the recommended dosage for medlar supplements?

No standardized dosage has been established for medlar supplements due to lack of clinical research. Traditional preparation methods vary widely without specific dosing guidelines.

### Are there side effects from eating medlar fruit?

No specific side effects have been documented, though excessive consumption of tannin-rich fruits may cause gastrointestinal irritation or constipation. Safety data is limited due to minimal research.

### Is medlar safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish the safety of medlar supplementation during pregnancy or lactation. Due to its tannin content and lack of robust human safety studies in these populations, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use. Traditional food consumption of ripe medlar fruit is generally considered safe, but supplement forms have not been adequately studied in these sensitive periods.

### Does medlar interact with medications like anticoagulants or diabetes drugs?

Limited evidence exists regarding medlar's potential interactions with medications, though its polyphenol content theoretically could affect drug metabolism or absorption. Individuals taking anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelet agents, or diabetes medications should consult their healthcare provider before adding medlar supplements, as tannins may alter medication efficacy. No specific contraindications have been formally documented in clinical literature, but caution is warranted with concurrent drug use.

### How does medlar compare to other tannin-rich fruits like pomegranate or blueberry for antioxidant support?

While medlar, pomegranate, and blueberry all contain phenolic compounds and anthocyanins with antioxidant properties, pomegranate and blueberry have substantially more clinical research supporting their bioavailability and health effects in humans. Medlar's antioxidant capacity has been demonstrated primarily in vitro, making direct efficacy comparisons with more-studied fruits premature. Blueberries and pomegranate are currently better supported by human trials for cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, whereas medlar remains a traditional remedy lacking equivalent clinical validation.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*