We have built an effective Walecka-type hadronic Lagrangian in which the hadron masses and the density dependence of the coupling constants are deduced from the quark dynamics using a Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. In order to stabilize nuclear matter an eight-quark term has been included. The parameters of this Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model have been determined using the meson properties in the vacuum but also in the medium through the omega meson mass in nuclei measured by the TAPS Collaboration. Realistic properties of nuclear matter have been obtained.