Pharmacognostic and clinical aspects of Cydonia oblonga: A review

ABSTRACTCydonia oblonga Miller (C. oblonga) is considered as an important medicinal plant throughout the world. It is native to Mediterranean region and Central Asia having a long term history of medicinal and ethnobotanical use. C. oblonga is well known for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antihemolytic, aphrodisiac and UV protectant activity. It is a good and low cost natural source of metabolites with interesting biological properties. Extensive research has been performed on the metabolic profile and biological potential of this species. In particular, quince leaves reveal to constitute a promising natural source of bioactive phytochemicals and are suitable for application in nutritional/pharmaceutical fields. Mostly it is grown for fruit and also serves as rootstock for pear. This paper gives an overview of scientific literature available on plant C. oblonga.