Is Quince an Anti-Inflammatory Fruit? Unpacking the Health Benefits

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Historically used in folk medicine for its therapeutic properties, the fruit of the quince tree, known as Cydonia oblonga, is gaining renewed attention for its anti-inflammatory potential. This article explores the science-backed evidence supporting the claim that quince is an anti-inflammatory food and how its unique compounds benefit health.

Quick Summary

This article examines the anti-inflammatory effects of quince based on scientific research. It details how the fruit's rich concentration of antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, helps combat inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. Information is also provided on how to best consume quince for maximum health benefits.

Key Points

Rich in Antioxidants: Quince contains powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids like quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Supports Gut Health: Animal studies indicate that quince extract may protect intestinal tissue from damage related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
High in Pectin: The soluble fiber pectin found in quince can protect the intestinal walls and promote healthy gut bacteria, reducing digestive tract inflammation.
Cytokine Regulation: In laboratory settings, extracts from quince peel have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-8.
Reduces Allergy Symptoms: Some research suggests quince extract may help alleviate mild allergic reactions by suppressing the immune cells responsible for the response.
Best When Cooked: Raw quince is hard and astringent; its flavor and therapeutic compounds are best accessed by cooking it into jams, jellies, or poaching it.
Nutrient-Dense: Quince is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and essential minerals, offering numerous benefits for overall well-being.

The Scientific Basis for Quince's Anti-Inflammatory Action

Quince has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine across the Mediterranean and Middle East for a range of ailments, including those related to inflammation. Modern research is now revealing the specific compounds responsible for these historical applications, primarily focusing on the fruit's high content of bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant Compounds

A primary reason quince exhibits anti-inflammatory properties is its potent antioxidant capacity. Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked, with oxidative stress often initiating and exacerbating inflammatory responses in the body. The antioxidants in quince help to neutralize harmful free radicals, thereby mitigating this cellular damage and reducing the inflammatory cascade.

Polyphenols: Quince is exceptionally rich in polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds known for their health-promoting effects. A high concentration of these compounds is found in both the pulp and, notably, the peel of the fruit.
Flavonoids: Among the polyphenols, flavonoids are particularly important. Studies have identified significant levels of quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol in quince extracts, all of which are well-researched for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Research on Quince and Inflammation

Several studies, predominantly in animal and in vitro models, have highlighted quince's specific anti-inflammatory capabilities:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Animal studies involving rats with induced colitis have shown that quince extract and juice significantly reduced colon tissue damage compared to control groups. This indicates a protective effect on gut tissue against inflammation. The pectin content in quince is also believed to play a role by protecting the intestinal lining and promoting healthy gut bacteria, which can reduce inflammation.
Cytokine Regulation: In vitro research using human cell lines has demonstrated that quince peel polyphenolic extracts can suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. This research suggests quince helps regulate the body's inflammatory response at a cellular level.
Allergy Relief: Some studies suggest quince may alleviate certain allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and asthma, by suppressing the activity of immune cells involved in allergic reactions. One commercial allergy medication even combines lemon juice with quince fruit extract.

Quince's Anti-Inflammatory vs. Other Fruit

Quince's anti-inflammatory power stands out due to its high concentration of specific compounds. While other fruits offer health benefits, quince's unique profile makes it a potent natural remedy.


Feature	Quince (Cydonia oblonga)	Apple (Malus domestica)	Pear (Pyrus communis)
Polyphenols	High concentrations, especially in the peel.	Contains polyphenols, but often in lower amounts than quince.	Good source of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids.
Specific Flavonoids	Rich in quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol.	Contains quercetin, but generally in lower concentrations.	Good source of flavonoids, but typically less concentrated than quince.
Pectin Content	High, particularly beneficial for gut health.	High in pectin, especially in the peel and core.	Contains pectin, but generally a lower concentration than quince.
Traditional Use	Strong historical use for treating digestive inflammation and ulcers.	Less prominent traditional use specifically for inflammatory ailments.	Used traditionally for various health issues, but not as strongly linked to anti-inflammatory remedies as quince.

Ways to Incorporate Quince into Your Diet

Unlike an apple or pear, quince is rarely eaten raw due to its hard, astringent flesh and sour taste. Cooking transforms the fruit, making its flesh tender and flavorful.

Poaching: A simple and popular method involves poaching quince slices in water with a small amount of sugar and spices like vanilla or cinnamon until they turn pink and become tender.
Jams and Jellies: Quince is perfect for making jams and jellies, thanks to its high pectin content. These spreads can be used on toast or as a topping for desserts.
Tea: For a soothing, aromatic beverage, quince can be brewed into a tea. Soaked quince pieces, often with honey and ginger, can create a delicious and healthy drink.
Savory Dishes: Cooked quince can be added to savory meals, such as roasted meat or stews, to add a complex sweetness that cuts through richness.
Baked Goods: The fruit can be used in pies, tarts, and other baked goods, providing a unique flavor profile.

Potential Side Effects

While generally safe for consumption, there are a few considerations:

Raw Consumption: Eating raw quince can cause stomach irritation due to its toughness and astringency.
High Fiber: Excessive consumption, especially of jams or jellies with high pectin, could potentially cause mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating.
Seeds: Quince seeds contain nitriles, which can release small amounts of cyanide. They should not be ingested, especially in large quantities.

Conclusion: Is Quince an Anti-Inflammatory? The Verdict

Yes, based on a growing body of in vitro and animal research, quince demonstrates notable anti-inflammatory properties, particularly related to digestive health. Its efficacy is attributed to a high concentration of antioxidants and specific flavonoids like quercetin. While more human clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects, the traditional use and current scientific findings support quince as a beneficial and flavorful fruit for mitigating inflammation. By incorporating cooked quince into a balanced diet, one can enjoy its unique taste and tap into its potential health-promoting qualities. As with any natural remedy, moderation is key, and it is best to enjoy quince as part of a varied and healthy lifestyle. For additional information on anti-inflammatory diet strategies, consult resources from authoritative health organizations.

Learn more about anti-inflammatory eating on Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

Quince reduces inflammation primarily through its rich content of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds combat oxidative stress, which is a major driver of inflammation, and can inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling at a cellular level.

While raw quince contains the beneficial compounds, it is not recommended for consumption. The fruit is very hard and astringent, which can irritate the stomach. Cooking the quince makes it palatable and tender, allowing you to access its health benefits safely.

For maximum benefits, quince should be cooked to soften the flesh. You can poach slices in water with minimal sugar, use them to make jams or jellies, or steep them in hot water for a soothing tea. Using the peel is recommended as it is rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Research suggests that quince's anti-inflammatory properties, specifically its antioxidant and flavonoid content, may be helpful for inflammatory conditions. However, direct human studies on quince's effects on arthritis are limited, and more evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy.

No, quince seeds are not safe to eat. They contain nitriles that can release small amounts of cyanide when ingested, especially in large quantities. It is important to remove the seeds when preparing quince.

Quince is particularly potent due to its high concentration of specific flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, often surpassing levels found in similar fruits like apples and pears. Its high pectin content also provides significant benefits for gut-related inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory compounds are found throughout the quince plant. Studies show that the fruit pulp, peel, leaves, and seeds (when extracted safely) all contain beneficial compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. The peel, in particular, has been noted for its high phenolic content.