Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pear is a tree. The pear fruit is used to make medicine.

People use pears for many conditions, including indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and liver scarring (cirrhosis), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, pears are eaten as fresh or preserved fruit, and used in cooking.

Pear fruit contains a substance called pectin, which might help reduce diarrhea.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

• Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking a carbohydrate supplement obtained from pears before and during a long-distance cycle ride seems to improve overall cycling time in athletic men.
• Hangover. Early research shows that drinking Korean pear juice 30 minutes before drinking alcohol seems to help reduce hangover symptoms 15 hours later by a small amount.
• Obesity. Early research shows that eating pears 3 times daily between meals while on a calorie-controlled diet might help reduce weight by a small amount over 12 weeks.
• Cancer.
• An infection of the intestines that causes diarrhea (cholera).
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Fevers.
• Fluid retention.
• Indigestion.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Liver scarring (cirrhosis).
• Obesity.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pear for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pear is LIKELY SAFE for most people when eaten in normal food amounts. But, there isn’t enough information to know if pears are safe when used as medicine or what the possible side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pear is LIKELY SAFE for most people when eaten in normal food amounts. But, there isn’t enough information to know if pears are safe when used as medicine or what the possible side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pears are LIKELY SAFE when eaten in amounts found in food. There isn’t enough information to know if pears are safe in larger, medicinal amounts. Stay on the safe side and stick with food amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for PEAR overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of pear 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 pear. 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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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

Table of Contents

1

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 value.¹ 

Nutritional Component	Value
Carbohydrate	15. 1 g
Sugar	9.69 g
Fibre	3.1 g
Protein	0.38 g
Total lipid (fat)	0.16 g

Table 1: Nutritional value of pear per 100 grams³ 

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Pear also contains vitamins and amino acids. 

Vitamin	Value
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 Acid	Value
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

Table 2: Vitamins and amino acids per 100 grams of pear³ 

Also Read: Hibiscus: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, And More!

Properties of Pear:

Pear has been considered a medicinal plant since prehistoric times.¹ 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

Also Read: Bael: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!

Potential Uses of Pear:

Pear may have beneficial properties that might be good for the health and may be used to deal with many ailments.²

Potential Uses of pear for the liver health

Pear has antioxidants that might show a beneficial effect on liver health. In an animal study 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 pear has increased antioxidant activity. Pear might also benefit against liver injury caused due to heavy metals.¹

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.

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Potential Uses of pear for  blood sugar

An animal study 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.¹

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 pear for lowering blood sugar.

Potential Uses of pear for urinary tract infections

A study by Guven K et al., 2006 suggested that pear when tested on the urinary tract causing bacteria, its extract showed an antimicrobial effect. Pear may have a defence mechanism against bacterial invasion.  It may also have an antimicrobial action to reduce infection.¹ The pear leaf extract may act as an uro-disinfectant that may be helpful in dealing with urinary tract infections.⁴

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.

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 fibre production that provided strength to the skin.¹

The pear extract showed potential wound healing activity because of its antimicrobial activity. Also, there may be the effect on the formation of new tissue and contraction of the wound. Pear also may show antioxidant properties and connective tissue formation.¹

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.

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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 system.⁴

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.

Also Read: Chia Seeds: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!

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 pear.²

You should consult a professional doctor before having any herbal preparation 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.

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 system. ¹
• Excessive consumption of pear juice might cause abdominal pain, excessive gas, and chronic diarrhoea in children.⁵
• Additionally, excess consumption of pear juice might lead to a defect in the height and weight of the infants.⁵

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: Kokum: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects And More!

Precautions to Take With Pear:

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

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• 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-effect on the digestive system.¹ Thus, a doctor’s consultation is recommended.
• Elderly: Older individuals with irregular bowel movements might have stomach pain, diarrhoea and gastric upset by consuming pear.⁴ 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 problem.

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.

Also Read: Papaya: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What are the benefits of pear juice during pregnancy?

Pear (Nashpati) contains folic acid, which might be beneficial during pregnancy.^1,4 However, this information is insufficient as no studies on humans support this claim. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor and only use pear as a herb.

What are the different vitamins present in pear fruit?

Pear contains vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, which might provide health benefits.¹

Does pear help in managing constipation?

Pear fruit and the bark and leaves of the pear tree are used to prepare a decoction, which is full of dietary fibre. This might act as a gentle laxative that might help regulate bowel movements and help combat constipation. However, people should first seek medical advice from a doctor and only use pear decoction as this information is insufficient. ^2,4

Can we use pear for dealing with a hangover?

Pear may be used to manage hangover symptoms. Eating pear before a big alcoholic drink might effectively lower blood alcohol levels. It might also affect specific enzymes in a way that solubilises alcohol molecules. However, more studies on humans are needed to support this claim. People should not consume pears to self-medicate without consulting a doctor.¹

Does pear benefit in vision ?

Regular consumption of pear might reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (loss of vision), a major concern of older adults. However, this information is insufficient to say the beneficial effect of pear for loss of vision in humans.¹

Also Read: Apricot: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

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

  Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

PEAR TREE: VARIETY, YIELD AND BENEFITS OF FRUIT

Ripening fruit pear . In the last days of the summer season, in July, the pear ripens. Harvesting depends on the characteristics of its type and variety, as well as on the purposes for which it will then be used. Due to the fact that the fruits ripened in the early stages are not stored for long, they are harvested immediately at a time. Mid- and late-ripening pears can be harvested up to several times per season. Export-oriented summer and autumn pear varieties are harvested for 5-7 days until fully ripe. Autumn varieties are harvested after 10-15 days, winter varieties until September 5-10, , depending on weather conditions.

Storage rules for pears and . How to keep a pear longer after picking? The shelf life of fruits is determined by the characteristics of their ripening. Mid-season varieties of pear can be stored for a short time, and late – up to 7-8 months . Pears are usually packed in storage boxes and if the fruit is wrapped in white paper, it will last longer. When the fruits are placed in boxes, paper or sawdust is placed between them.

A pear lives up to 200 years . Despite the fact that the pear is a temperate plant, it is still thermophilic. The pear tree is less resistant to cold and lives longer than the apple tree. This tree remains green until 100-150 years, and sometimes until 200 years and continues to bear fruit.

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About 10 local varieties of pears are grown in our republic. There are about 60 wild-growing species of pears, of which we can note: “ Zh aidar and nok “, “Central Asian pear”, “Turkmen pear”, “Ussuri pear”, “Nashvati”, “ Tol bargi nok 900 04 ” and “Ran about » . When ripe, each variety has its own color and shade, which should be taken into account when harvesting.

Creation of pear orchards . For laying pear orchards, soil and climatic conditions must be favorable. At moderate temperatures, pear seedlings grow quickly. On irrigated flat lands, it is recommended to choose plots with a slope of no more than 4-5 meters every 1000 meters . But in mountainous and foothill areas, you can create a garden on the slopes, using special techniques for preparing the soil and planting fruit trees. By the way, planting pear orchards on plots of land where alfalfa has been grown for 2-3 years in a row gives very good results.

Processing pear trees . The formation of a pear tree is carried out to change the fruiting period of the tree, to extend its fruiting period, as well as to strengthen the branches, facilitate garden care, and regulate the annual yield.

Useful properties of pear . This fruit improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, prevents inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, cleanses the body of various toxins (for example, cholesterol). This is the most common fruit crop after apples. Since the fruit is sweet, it is loved and eaten fresh. You can also make jam, juice, wine, bekmes (pear honey) from it.

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A pear is hanging: how to take care of a tree so that it bears fruit well

Having planted a pear on the plot, every gardener dreams of starting to feast on its fragrant and juicy fruits with unique granular pulp as soon as possible. However, the good fruiting of a pear is based on the gardener’s competent care of the planted tree, based on his own experience and recommendations of professional agronomists.

Pear care

Growing and caring for a pear tree implies a set of standard agrotechnical measures, including watering, weeding, loosening and mulching the soil in the trunk circle, weed control, prevention of diseases and pests, preparation for wintering, sanitary and formative pruning. Young immature trees, due to their vulnerability, need special attention from the gardener: pests, diseases and frosts can cause serious damage to the plant and increase the waiting time for fruits.

Spring maintenance

• In the spring, immediately after the snow melts and the soil thaws, you can begin to remove the protective covering material that was wrapped around the lower parts of the trunks of young pears in autumn, protecting the trees from rodents and sunburn.

If breathable material has been used as a cover, it may take some time to remove it, and if the material is removed prematurely, the bark of young trees may suffer from sunburn.

• Early spring is a great time to re-whitewash the trunks. Whitewashing trees in April or May days does not bring any benefit other than aesthetic.
• The soil in the trunk circle of a tree is usually compacted during the winter season, and its obligatory digging or deep loosening will contribute to the full access of oxygen and nutrients to the pear root system. In addition, the procedure helps to get rid of the possible presence of pests that have overwintered under the crown of the tree.
• If weeds begin to sprout under a tree, they must be dealt with as soon as they appear. It is important to mulch the trunk circle of the tree using peat, sawdust, humus. Mulch can retain moisture in the soil and prevent crusting. You should not pour the mulch close to the trunk, so as not to provoke the bark to warm up.

Summer care

• In the hot summer season, crop care mainly consists in timely moistening of the crop.
• The pear tree’s tendency to thicken its crown sometimes necessitates unscheduled thinning pruning, as a result of which fruit-bearing or still-growing trees can receive the amount of sunlight they need.
• In summer, perhaps the most pleasant chores for pear care begin: the first harvest, since there are varieties of pears that bear fruit already at the end of summer. It is necessary to control that the ripening fruits do not fall, this leads to their damage and deterioration. In the warm season, trees should be inspected for signs of disease infestation or pest attacks.

Autumn care

• In general, autumn care is very similar to spring care. In addition to seasonal sanitary pruning and top dressing of trees, with the end of the warm season, trunks can be cleaned of fragments of dead bark, overgrown moss and lichen.
• Autumn whitewashing of trunks is aimed at preventing sunburn on the bark of trees and cracks on it, which are formed due to sudden changes in temperature. The whitewashing agent is an aqueous solution of lime or special paints for horticultural crops: water-based and acrylic.
• An important procedure in autumn crop care is water-charging watering, which allows you to prepare a pear tree for wintering: the moistened ground under the tree will freeze less in the coming winter.
• A feature of autumn care is the long-awaited harvest of late varieties of pears and their storage or processing.

Watering

It is enough to water a young pear once a week, using one or two buckets of water for watering. With the maturation of the tree, the water consumption per plant gradually increases and the frequency of watering is reduced to two per month.

• For good absorption of moisture by the root system of a tree, it is recommended to dig shallow grooves around the trunk or along the radii of the near-stem circle, filled with water using a hose. Water is poured into the dug grooves gradually – this ensures maximum penetration of moisture into the soil layers.
• Adults are well moistened by sprinkling: moisture is supplied under pressure to special rotating nozzles, sprayed over branches and foliage like rain.

Fertilizer

• Organics are used to feed crops every few years: two or three shovels of humus or rotted manure will suffice for an adult tree.
• In spring, complex mineral fertilizers like nitroammophoska are used.
• Pear flowering coincides with the time of feeding with potash and phosphorus fertilizers.
• In autumn, half a kilogram of wood ash is brought under an adult tree.

When top dressing, it is important not to overdo it, provoking the tree to actively grow: you can not fertilize the pear with nitrogen fertilizer in its pure form.

Preparing pears for winter

Young plants in the northern regions need winter wrapping of trunks with burlap or covering material soaked in tar or turpentine, which repels rodents. Additionally, you can tie branches of young pears together – such a measure can protect the tree from frost. If there is a real threat of winter raids on the site of hares, you can wrap the trunks of pears with plastic mesh to the place where the lower branches grow. On the eve of frosts, you can’t do pear transplantation!

Pear pruning

Tree pruning is aimed at preserving the health of the pear, increasing its lifespan, as well as the number and quality of fruits.

Pruning scheme

It is desirable that the crown of the tree be evenly branched. Crown formation should begin with pruning a one-year-old seedling when it reaches a height of more than 60 – 70 cm. Cutting the top of a tree to a quarter of its length can stimulate the development of lower branches.

Crown pruning is an effective means of rejuvenating a mature tree.

• First of all, dried and damaged branches must be removed.
• If you find branches growing perpendicular to the trunk, it makes sense to cut them off as well.
• Thin out an excessively dense crown.
• Shorten shoots younger than one year old.
• Do not leave protruding knots.

Pruning in the spring

Pruning in the spring to ensure a good harvest is considered the most important for a tree. The optimal moment for pruning trees that have survived the winter is early spring, which precedes the start of sap flow. Experienced agronomists note that the shorter the interval between the pruning procedure and the beginning of the movement of juices near the tree, the more successful the pruning results will be.

Autumn pruning

Autumn pruning is recommended for winter-hardy varieties that can tolerate cold well and are not afraid of freezing. The pruning dates are the days when the trees have lost all their foliage, but the daytime temperatures are still positive. You should not put the culture at risk by conducting autumn pruning at sub-zero temperatures: frozen pear wood is fragile and brittle.

Diseases and pests

• Experts call scab, fruit rot, soot fungus, powdery mildew, and rust among the most common crop ailments. Usually, diseases affect both the leaves and the inflorescences and fruits of the tree, manifesting themselves in the form of plaque, spots or growths. In the fight against diseases, specialized fungicides are used, as well as time-tested and experienced means: two- and three-time spraying of diseased specimens with a Bordeaux mixture solution and other copper-containing preparations.
• If pests are found, trees should be treated with insecticidal preparations or effective folk remedies: chamomile decoction, garlic tincture, tomato tops, hot red pepper, dandelions. A solution of green soap and wood ash helps to destroy aphid colonies, and it is possible to defeat the gall mite by spraying with karbofos and colloidal sulfur. To combat the larvae of the pear sucker, decoctions of yarrow and chamomile, infusions of tobacco dust are effective.

Treatment

Before bud swelling, trees should be treated to kill wintering pests and fungal spores. Spraying with urea, copper and iron sulfate, Bordeaux mixture are effective. With the beginning of foliage blooming, it is recommended to treat the culture with a mixture of insecticides and fungicides, selected taking into account those diseases and pests that the trees suffered from in the previous season. A week or two after the end of flowering, re-treatment is performed. Autumn treatments are necessary in areas with mild winters: autumn spraying affects not only the trunk and branches of trees, but also near-stem circles. In regions with frosty winters, cold and cold reliably clean trees from pests and pathogenic spores.

Transplanting pears in the spring

Young seedlings adapt more easily to a new location than mature trees, whose overgrown root system is at risk of damage. Spring transplantation is planned after the snow melts, until the juice moves and buds open. The volume of the planting hole should correspond to the volume of the pear root system.

• Thinning the crown before repotting will help the tree later spend energy on developing the root system, and not on the growth of foliage.
• When digging up a tree, it is important to keep the earth ball on the roots.
• The long tips of the roots should be shortened and sprinkled with crushed charcoal.
• In the prepared hole, a mound is formed from the earth, on which the roots are neatly straightened.
• Fertile soil is poured into the hole up to the root neck of the tree.
• Watering and compacting the soil eliminates voids between the roots.

Methods of propagation of pear

The culture can be propagated by both vegetative and seed methods. Vegetative propagation, due to its simplicity, is especially popular with gardeners.

Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings with 2-3 internodes and a pair of leaflets are harvested after intensive growth of shoots is completed. Green twigs treated with growth stimulants are planted in a container with prepared loose soil. After 3 – 4 months of regular watering and top dressing, the cuttings will sprout with roots, and after six months they will turn into full-fledged seedlings, ready for planting in open ground.

Propagation by layering

The high location of pear branches can threaten to break them when trying to propagate by layering, so gardeners often bend a branch into a box placed under a tree and filled with fertile soil. Having made a couple of cuts on the bark of the branch, it is added dropwise and fixed with a hairpin. For a couple of years of careful care, the layering turns into a viable seedling, transplanted to a new place along with an earthen clod.