Are Loquat Seeds Poisonous to Eat? The Facts About Cyanide

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to agricultural ministries, loquat seeds contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when digested. The direct answer to whether loquat seeds are poisonous to eat is yes, especially if consumed in large quantities, crushed, or ground.

Quick Summary

Loquat seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release toxic cyanide upon digestion; avoid eating them, particularly when crushed or in large amounts, to prevent poisoning.

Key Points

Cyanide Risk: Loquat seeds contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that can release toxic hydrogen cyanide when chewed or crushed.
High Risk When Processed: Grinding or pulverizing the seeds, such as for powders or supplements, drastically increases the risk of dangerous cyanide exposure.
Debunked 'Health Benefits': Claims that amygdalin is a vitamin or cancer cure are false and have been disproven by health authorities.
Recognize Symptoms: Ingestion can cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, and vomiting; severe cases can be lethal.
Safe Consumption: The fleshy fruit is safe and nutritious, but the seeds should always be removed and discarded before eating or cooking.
Similar to Other Fruit Pits: The toxicity mechanism is similar to that of apple, apricot, and cherry pits, all containing cyanogenic compounds.

The Cyanide Risk in Loquat Seeds

At the heart of the toxicity of loquat seeds is a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin, a type of cyanogenic glycoside. When these seeds are crushed, chewed, or ground, the amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide (HCN). This is the same toxic substance found in the seeds of other stone fruits like apricots, cherries, and plums. While a whole, intact loquat seed might pass through the digestive system without releasing much cyanide, chewing or processing the seeds significantly increases the risk of poisoning. The bitter almond-like taste is a warning sign of the chemical's presence. For this reason, official health warnings have been issued against consuming powdered products made from loquat seeds.

The Poisoning Mechanism and Symptoms

Once ingested and broken down, the released cyanide interferes with cellular respiration, which is a critical bodily function. This can lead to a range of mild to severe symptoms depending on the dose. The larger the quantity of crushed seeds consumed, the higher the concentration of released cyanide and the greater the risk. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include:

Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting and upset stomach
Nausea
Difficulty breathing
Rapid heart rate
Weakness

In severe cases, a large dose can be lethal. Cases of severe health problems and even death have been reported, particularly from unregulated health supplements containing loquat seed derivatives.

Debunking 'Health Benefits' and Misinformation

For years, misinformation has circulated, claiming that amygdalin in loquat seeds is a type of vitamin (sometimes called 'Vitamin B17') or an effective treatment for cancer. These claims have been widely debunked by health and nutrition authorities. There is no scientific evidence to support these assertions, and relying on such remedies is not only ineffective but also dangerously toxic. Natural does not always mean safe, a fact that applies to loquat seeds and similar fruit pits. Trusting unproven, self-proclaimed remedies over medical advice has led to serious health consequences for many people.

How to Enjoy Loquats Safely

Eating the juicy, sweet flesh of the loquat fruit is perfectly safe and offers numerous health benefits, such as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. To enjoy loquats without risk, simply follow these steps:

Select ripe fruit: Ripe loquats are yellow-orange and soft to the touch.
Wash thoroughly: Rinse the fruit under cold water.
Prepare the fruit: Slice the fruit in half to expose the seeds inside.
Remove seeds: Use a knife or spoon to scoop out and discard the large brown seeds. Most loquats contain 3-5 seeds, but the number can vary.
Peel (optional): The skin is edible but can be removed for a smoother texture if desired.
Enjoy: Eat the delicious pulp plain or use it in jams, pies, or smoothies.

Comparison: Loquat Seeds vs. Other Fruit Pits

To understand the relative risks, consider how loquat seeds compare to the pits of other common fruits that also contain cyanogenic glycosides.


Fruit Seed/Pit	Toxic Compound	Relative Risk Level	Important Notes
Loquat Seed	Amygdalin (Cyanogenic Glycoside)	Moderate to High (especially when crushed)	Seeds are easily crushed and lack a hard protective shell like cherry pits. High levels of cyanide detected in some powdered products.
Apple Seed	Amygdalin	Low	Requires chewing and ingesting a large number of seeds (150-1000) to cause mild poisoning.
Cherry Pit	Amygdalin	Low	The hard pit is generally swallowed whole and passes through the digestive system intact, minimizing cyanide exposure.
Apricot Kernel	Amygdalin	High	The kernel inside the pit is concentrated with amygdalin and has been linked to numerous poisoning cases, particularly when consumed as supplements.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Loquat Seeds

In summary, the answer to the question, "Are loquat seeds poisonous to eat?" is unequivocally yes. While accidentally swallowing a single intact seed is unlikely to cause serious harm due to the low concentration and a protective barrier, the real danger lies in consuming crushed, ground, or processed seeds. The risk of cyanide poisoning from large quantities is significant and potentially life-threatening. The purported health benefits of loquat seeds have been scientifically disproven. The safest and most delicious way to enjoy this fruit is to simply discard the seeds and savor the sweet, antioxidant-rich flesh. For any concerns regarding poisoning, contact a medical professional immediately.

Maff.go.jp provides a technical document on cyanogenic glycosides in loquat seeds and the risks involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Loquat seeds contain a compound called amygdalin. When this compound comes into contact with stomach acid, especially after being crushed or chewed, it breaks down and produces hydrogen cyanide, a toxic substance.

There is no universally accepted 'safe' number of crushed or chewed loquat seeds to consume. The level of toxicity depends on the concentration of amygdalin, which can vary. Due to the risk, it is recommended to avoid eating any amount of the seeds.

No, cooking or boiling does not reliably eliminate the cyanogenic glycosides from loquat seeds. In fact, some Japanese health reports showed high cyanide levels in loquat seed teas. Discarding the seeds is the only safe option.

Swallowing one or two intact seeds accidentally is unlikely to cause harm, as the tough outer coating and whole form prevent the cyanide-releasing reaction. However, if you experience symptoms like headache, dizziness, or vomiting, or if you consumed many or crushed seeds, seek medical advice immediately.

Yes, loquat seeds are also toxic to pets due to the same cyanide-releasing compounds. Pet owners should ensure their dogs or cats do not ingest the seeds, and contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet has done so.

Yes, the fleshy part of the loquat fruit is safe and nutritious to eat once the seeds are removed. Just make sure to discard the seeds and do not consume any part of them.

Amygdalin is a naturally occurring plant compound that, when processed, releases cyanide. The false claim that it is a vitamin (sometimes called 'Vitamin B17') and cures cancer has been thoroughly investigated and debunked by scientific and medical authorities.