Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Siraitiae Fructus |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 羅漢果 · Luo Han Guo |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex Lu et Z. Y. Zhang.(Cucurbitaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Cool |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Large Intestine |
What Is Luo Han Guo?
Luo Han Guo (Lohanguo Siraitia Fruit) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in Yongfu county near Guilin in China's Guangxi province.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Cool
Channels Entered: Lung, Large Intestine
Luo Han Guo: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Siraitiae Fructus
Botanical Origin
The dried mature fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex Lu et Z. Y. Zhang.(Cucurbitaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in Yongfu county near Guilin in China's Guangxi province.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is classified by widest perimeter, extra-large fruit (perimeter more than 18cm), large fruit (17.4~18cm), medium fruit (16.5~17.4cm), small fruit (14.1~15.5cm), the higher the class the better the quality.
Macroscopic Features
Oval, elliptical or spherical shape. Externally brown, yellowish-brown or greenish brown, with dark color spots and yellow soft hairs, some have 6~11 longitudinal lines. Apex has remnants of style. Base has scars of fruit stem. Light, brittle texture, easily broken. Flesh (mesocarp) is sponge-like, pale brown. Seed is flat spherical, numerous, pale red to brownish-red, center of both sides is slightly indented. All sides have a radial grooved pattern, edge has grooves. faint odor, sweet taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; CoolLungLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and moistens the lung, soothes the throat and restores voice, and lubricates the intestines to relax bowels.
How Luo Han Guo Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Luo Han Guo is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.