Are loquat seeds edible?
May 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Loquat seeds contain amygdalin, which can be hydrolyzed into hydrogen cyanide during chewing or digestion. Hydrogen cyanide is a highly toxic substance that inhibits cellular respiratory enzyme activity, leading to tissue hypoxia and poisoning symptoms. After consuming loquat seeds, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and palpitations may occur. In severe cases, respiratory failure and death may result. Children and individuals with weaker constitutions are at higher risk.
Generally, loquat seeds should not be consumed, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides that may pose a risk of poisoning. The analysis is as follows:
Loquat seeds contain amygdalin, which can be hydrolyzed into hydrogen cyanide during chewing or digestion. Hydrogen cyanide is a highly toxic substance that inhibits the activity of cellular respiratory enzymes, leading to tissue hypoxia and causing poisoning symptoms. After consuming loquat seeds, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and palpitations may occur. Severe cases can result in respiratory failure and death. Children and individuals with weaker constitutions face higher risks.
The hard outer shell of loquat seeds may scratch the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract, causing bleeding or perforation. Although loquat seeds contain small amounts of protein and fat, these cannot offset their toxicity risk, and the nutrients are difficult for the human body to absorb.
Whether eaten raw, cooked, or steeped in water, the toxicity of cyanogenic glycosides cannot be completely removed. The seeds should be spat out when eating loquat fruit, and care should be taken to prevent children from accidentally swallowing them. If seeds are inadvertently ingested, monitor for symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting, and seek medical attention if necessary.
