Table 2 Summary of medical functions of Korean pears and other pears

Antidiabetic

Blood glucose levels ↓

Yaguang

(peel extracts);

P. communis

in vivo

[59, 63]

Anti-obesity

Acceleration of fat metabolism and decreased LDL and TG

Insoluble dietary

fiber from pear

pomace (China)

in vivo

[67]

Low calorie intake due to high fiber

P. communis

Human

[68]

Alcohol detoxification and hepato-protection

ADH and ALDH ↑

Korean pear

(P. pyrifolia cv.

Shingo)

in vivo

[10]

Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde ↓

Korean pear

(P. pyrifolia cv.

Shingo)

Human

[13]

Blockage of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes

Korean pear

(P. pyrifolia cv.

Shingo)

in vitro

[109]

Anti-inflammatory

Fibrosis and inhibition of NFκB ↓

Japanese pear

(Nijuseiki)

in vivo

[86]

MPO-mediated

inflammatory cells ↑

serum level of IL-6 ↓

Japanese pear

Vinegar

in vivo

[87]

Anti-asthmatic

Suppression of allergic asthma reaction due to reduced serum allergen-specific IgE levels and inflammatory signs

Korean pears

(P. pyrifolia N. cv.

Chuhwangbae)

in vivo

[93]

Mast cell activation, histamine release ↓

Flavonoids in pears

in vitro

[95]

Bronchodilatory

Ca²⁺ channel blockade in trachea muscle cells

P. pashia Buch.-Ham

in vivo

[110]

Anti-hyperlipidemic

Plasma LDL, TG, and Cholesterol ↓; HDL ↑

P. communis

in vivo

[59, 72]

Skin Whitening Effects

Formation of cellular melanin ↓

Unripe Korean pears

(P. pyrifolia cv.

Manpungbae)

in vitro

[105]

Expression of melanogenesis-related enzymes ↓

Korean pear extracts

(P. pyrifolia cv.

Chuhwangbae)

in vitro

[51]

Anti-mutagenic or carcinogenic

Rapid excretion of PAHs

Korean pear (Shingo)

Human

in vitro

[75]