Pear (Nashpati): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction

Pear is scientifically known as Pyrus communis L. It belongs to the family Rosaceae. The pear is considered the second most nutritious fruit after the apple. It is a good source of vitamins, dietary fibre, amino acids, and quercetin. The pear fruit is widely famous for its sweetness, aroma, crispness and distinct fragrance. Pear is native to North America, Western Europe, Asia, China, and Pakistan^1,3.

Pear is described as a ‘gift of God’ by the Greek poet Homer. Pear fruit is called Bagu Gosha in Hindi and Amritphale in Sanskrit because of its beneficial impact on human health. Pears may help in wound healing, skin brightening, immunity-boosting and also managing urinary tract infections^1,4.

Let’s read along to know more about pears. In this blog, you will find the potential uses, benefits and side effects of pear on human health.

Nutritional Value of Pear

All parts of the pear tree have good nutritional value¹. Below is the nutritional value of pear per 100 grams³

• Carbohydrate: 15.1 g
• Sugar: 9.69 g
• Fibre: 3.1 g
• Protein: 0.38 g
• Total lipid (fat): 0.16 g

Pears also contain vitamins and amino acids. Following are the Vitamins and amino acids per 100 grams of pear³.

Vitamins:

• Vitamin C: 4.4 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.026 mg
• Vitamin A: 1 µg
• Thiamin: 0.012 mg
• Riboflavin: 0.026 mg
• Folate: 6 µg

Amino Acids:

• Tryptophan: 0.002 g
• Isoleucine: 0.014 g
• Leucine: 0.021 g
• Methionine: 0.002 g
• Valine: 0.019 g
• Phenylalanine: 0.013 g
• Histidine: 0.002 g
• Threonine: 0.013 g

Pear for obesity! Pear is believed to be rich in dietary fibres and hence might aid in weight loss⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Pear

Pear has been considered a medicinal plant since prehistoric times¹. Pear may have beneficial properties such as:

• It may have anti-inflammatory potential (manages inflammation or swelling)
• It may act as an antioxidant (decreases oxidative stress)
• It may potentially have anti-diarrhoeal activity
• It may have antimicrobial potential
• It may have sedative properties (induces calmness and sleep)
• It may have antipyretic activity (reduces fever)
• It may have wound-healing potential
• It may have a blood-glucose-lowering effect
• It may have a lipid-lowering effect
• It may have anti-cancer potential
• It may have a blood pressure-lowering effect^1,2.

Did you know pear might aid in asthma? Researchers believe that due to its anti-inflammatory nature, pear might be helpful in lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)⁶.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Pear

Pear may have beneficial properties that might be good for the health and may be used to deal with many ailments².

1. Potential Uses of Pear for Liver Health

Pear has antioxidants that might show a beneficial effect on liver health. In an animal study¹ conducted by Ajilore B et al. 2016, the seed extract of pear fruit showed a decrease in oxidative stress on the liver. These results were due to the phytochemicals, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of pear. This might show that the pear has increased antioxidant activity. Pear might also benefit against liver injury caused due to heavy metals.

This information is insufficient. These studies are not performed on humans. Therefore, more human trials are necessary to provide the true extent of pear on liver health. Consequently, it is better to consult a doctor before using pear as a herb.

2. Potential Uses of Pear for Blood Sugar

An animal study¹ by Bhargav A. et al. 2013 showed a significant result in managing blood sugar levels by using pear. The oral administration of the pear fruit extract may help to reduce blood glucose levels because of its phytochemicals. The extract may have some effect on the plasma insulin or pancreatic insulin secretion.

This data is not sufficient as these studies are conducted on animals. Therefore, more human studies are necessary to support the scope of pear on blood sugar management. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using a pear for lowering blood sugar.

3. Potential Uses of Pear for Urinary Tract Infections

A study¹ by Guven K et al., 2006 suggested that pear when tested on the urinary tract causing bacteria, extract showed an antimicrobial effect. Pear may have a defense mechanism against bacterial invasion. It may also have an antimicrobial action to reduce infection. The pear leaf extract may act as an uro-disinfectant that may be helpful in dealing with urinary tract infections⁴.

However, the available data is insufficient to establish the mentioned benefits of pear for managing UTIs in humans and more studies are needed to validate this potential use of pear further. Consult a qualified doctor for better advice.

4. Potential Uses of Pear for Wound Healing

The wound-healing activities of pear extract were studied in an animal model by Bhargava A 2014. The results showed a significant reduction in scar formation and increased collagen fiber production that provided strength to the skin¹.

The pear extract showed potential wound-healing activity because of its antimicrobial activity. Also, there may be an effect on the formation of new tissue and contraction of the wound. Pear also may show antioxidant properties and connective tissue formation¹.

This information is not sufficient as these studies are not conducted on humans. However, human trials are required to suggest the benefits of pear for wound healing. Therefore, it is important to first speak to your concerned doctors and only use pear as a herb.

5. Other Potential Uses of Pear

• Pear may help maintain the calcium levels in the body and benefit osteoporosis, which is a condition that makes the bones brittle and weak.
• It may also help in maintaining the pH of the body.
• The pear juice may help to lower high body temperature during fever. The cooling action of pear might be because of its antioxidants, which might offer an essential role in developing the immune system⁴.

Though there are studies that show the benefits of pear in various health conditions. This information is insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true scope of the benefits of pear on human health.

Other than lungs, pear might take care of your heart as well! Researchers believe that due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nature, pear might aid in heart illnesses. Pear contains chlorogenic acid that is believed to protect the cells of the heart from oxidative damage⁶.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Pear?

The whole fruit is healthy and nutritious.

• Pear is eaten as a raw, fresh fruit.
• Products such as cakes and pies, juices and brandy, compotes, jams, jellies and syrups can be prepared from pear².

You should consult a professional doctor before having any herbal preparations made of pear. They will recommend the proper form and dosage of pear according to your health condition. We advise you to not replace or discontinue your present medications with herbal preparations without consulting a qualified physician.

Also Read: Turmeric (Haldi): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Side Effects of Pear (Nashpati)

Some side effects of pear fruit are related to the digestive system and development may be seen in children and infants.

• Weaning babies might experience some side effects of pear fruit as it contains a few acids that might  harm the digestive system¹.
• Excessive consumption of pear juice might cause abdominal pain, excessive gas, and chronic diarrhoea in children⁵.
• Additionally, excess consumption of pear juice might lead to a defect in the height and weight of the infants⁵.

If any such side effects are seen after having pears, please consult an Ayurvedic physician who advised you to have it. They will provide the appropriate treatment to deal with the side effects.

Also Read: Grapes (Angur): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Precautions to Take with Pear

General precautions and extra care need to be taken before giving pear to young children and older people.

• Pregnancy: There are no reports suggesting the unsafe use of pear for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, a doctor’s advice is always beneficial to avoid complications and be safer.
• Children: Pear contains few acids. When given in excess to babies or young children, pear might cause harsh side effects on the digestive system¹. Thus, a doctor’s consultation is recommended.
• Elderly: Older individuals with irregular bowel movements might have stomach pain, diarrhea, and gastric upset by consuming pear⁴. So, older people are advised to consult a physician for stomach-related problems and take precautions before consuming pear.

Kindly do not use tamarind to self-medicate, replace, alter or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own. Consult a doctor if you are facing any health-related problems.

Also Read: Grapefruit (Chakotra): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug reactions of pear fruit with any other drug have not been reported. However, people should not assume that there are no interactions at all.

There is not enough information regarding the harmful interaction between medicines and pear or pear products. However, if any symptoms or complications are observed, please connect with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Mohammed Ibrahim R, Mohsen Hammoudi Z. Phytochemistry And Pharmacological Activity Of Pear (Pyrus Communis Linn): A Review. Plant Archives. 2020;20(2):7820–7828. Available from: http://www.plantarchives.org/20-2/7820-7828%20(6319).pdf
2. Jarić S, Stevanovic ZD, Duletic S. Ethnobotanical study and traditional use of autochthonous pear varieties (Pyrus communis L.) in southwest Serbia (Polimlje). Genet Resour Crop Evol . 2019 ;66(22):1-22.. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-018-00734-w
3. FoodData Central [Internet]. [cited 2022 May 23]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/746773/nutrients 
4. Nazir N, Nisar S, Mubarak S, Khalil A, Javeed K, Banerjee S, et al. Pear. Antioxidants in Fruits: Properties and Health Benefits . 2020;435–447. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7285-2_22
5. Lifschitz CH. Carbohydrate absorption from fruit juices in infants. Pediatrics . 2000 ;105(1):1-5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.105.1.e4
6. Hong SY, Lansky E, Kang SS, Yang M. A review of pears (Pyrus spp.), ancient functional food for modern times. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Sep 1;21(1):219. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03392-1. PMID: 34470625; PMCID: PMC8409479. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8409479/

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