Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), also known as monk fruit, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating sore throat, cough, and symptoms associated with colds. Traditional practices document its use primarily as a soothing agent for the throat, a demulcent, and as a remedy for lung heat, which in TCM is associated with respiratory ailments such as colds and coughs. The fruit is often prepared as a tea or decoction, sometimes combined with other herbs, to relieve symptoms rather than to specifically target viral infections with direct antiviral action.

Scientific research on Lo Han Guo's antiviral activity is limited. Some laboratory studies have reported that extracts of the fruit possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially contribute to symptom relief in upper respiratory tract infections. However, robust clinical trials or strong in vitro evidence showing direct antiviral effects against common cold viruses (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses) are lacking. Thus, while Lo Han Guo is traditionally used in East Asia to alleviate cold symptoms, its use is supported much more by historical and cultural tradition than by modern scientific validation for antiviral efficacy.

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