Evidence supporting the use of: Lo Han Guo
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), also known as monk fruit, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) primarily as a remedy for cough, sore throat, and conditions involving bronchial congestion. Traditional Chinese herbal texts describe Luo Han Guo as a cooling and moistening herb that can "clear heat" and "transform phlegm," making it a common ingredient in herbal formulations for respiratory complaints, especially those characterized by dryness and phlegm. This use is primarily based on centuries of empirical observation and TCM theory, rather than on modern scientific evidence.
Scientific research into the respiratory effects of Luo Han Guo is limited. Some laboratory studies have investigated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cough-suppressant properties, but there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically validating its efficacy for bronchial congestion in humans. Most available studies focus on its sweetening compounds (mogrosides) and general health effects rather than direct action on bronchial congestion. Therefore, while Luo Han Guo is traditionally justified for this use, the scientific validation is weak to moderate at best, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5 for evidence strength.
In summary, Luo Han Guo's use for bronchial congestion is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, with limited scientific support. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before using it as a remedy for respiratory conditions.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fang-Feng
Fernbush
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Guaco
Gallesia
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Heartsease
Hedyotis
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Lo Han Guo
Acid IndigestionAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Influenza
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Ulcers