Fruits and seedsPhlegm-resolvingSiraitiae Fructus

Luo Han Guo (Lohanguo Siraitia Fruit)

羅漢果 · Luo Han Guo

Phlegm-resolving herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Clears heat and moistens the lung, soothes the throat and restores voice, and lubricates the intestines to relax bowels.

Quick Facts

Latin NameSiraitiae Fructus
Chinese Name & Pinyin羅漢果 · Luo Han Guo
Medicinal PartFruits and seeds
Efficacy CategoryPhlegm-resolving
Botanical OriginThe dried mature fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex Lu et Z. Y. Zhang.(Cucurbitaceae)
Nature & FlavourSweet; Cool
Channels EnteredLung, 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.

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