Luo Han Guo

Generic name: Momordicae Grosvenorii (Swingle)., Siraitia Grosvenorii (Swingle) A.M. Lu And Zhi Y. Zhang., Thladiantha Grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey
Brand names: Arhat Fruit, Big Yellow's Fruit, Buddha Fruit, Ge Si Wei Ruo Guo, Lo Han Guo, Lo Han Kuo, Longevity Fruit, Lor Hon Kor, Magic Fruit, Momordica Fruit, Monk Fruit, Na Han Gwa, Ra Kan Ka

Usage of Luo Han Guo

Animal studies have revealed antiatherosclerotic and antiallergy activities of S. grosvenorii extracts.(Murata 2010) In addition, luo han guo has been suggested to have antitussive, antiasthmatic, antioxidant, liver-protectant, glucose-lowering, immunostimulant, immune-regulating, anticancer, antibacterial, and antifatigue properties.(Li 2014)

Antibacterial activity

Animal and in vitro data

In vitro, siraitiflavandiol demonstrated antibacterial activity against oral bacterial species, such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans.(Zheng 2009) In vitro data demonstrate that bioactive phytochemicals in the leaf of S. grosvenorii are a source of antibacterial activity and that activity against Streptococcus mutans is likely due to the inhibition of glucosyltransferase.(Zheng 2011)

Antifatigue effects

Animal data

In a study evaluating effects of S. grosvenorii fruit extracts (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight) on physical fatigue in mice, significant dose-dependent antifatigue effects were observed.(Liu 2013)

Antihyperglycemic effects

Animal data

Antihyperglycemic effects of the crude S. grosvenorii extract in rats via the inhibition of maltase have been demonstrated, with effects at least partially exerted by triterpene glycosides.(Suzuki 2005) Improved glucose, lipid utility, and increased insulin sensitivity were observed as a possible result of adenosine monophosphate–activated kinase (AMPK) activation by crude mogrosides isolated from luo han guo in several diabetic rodent models.(Chen 2011) Findings also demonstrated that the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of mogroside-rich extracts are probably attributed to the attenuation of insulin resistance and activation of hepatic AMPK signaling.(Liu 2019)

Antineoplastic activity

Animal and in vitro data

Antineoplastic activity has been attributed to the norcucurbitacins isolated from the plant. Siraitic acids IIB and IIC have shown antitumor effects in several lung and liver cancer cell lines.(Li 2009) The extract has also been reported to have suppressive effects on dicyclanil-promoted hepatocellular proliferative lesions in mice models.(Matsumoto 2009) Several studies have indicated anticancer effects, such as delayed development of papillomas in skin carcinogenesis models. Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus activation has also been observed in vitro.(Ukiya 2002) In vitro, siraitic acid IIB demonstrated antitumor activity against lung cancer cells A-549 and liver cancer cells Hep-G2. Siraitic acid IIC has also inhibited liver cancer cells Hep-G2.(Li 2009) In vivo results suggest that mogroside V inhibits hyperglycemia-induced lung cancer cell migration and invasion through reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and damaging cytoskeleton.(Chen 2019)

Antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity

Animal and in vitro data

Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties have been demonstrated.(Suzuki 2005) Polysaccharides from S. grosvenorii promoted the proliferation of spleen cells and regulated the level of reactive oxygen species in vitro. In mice, it also raised superoxidase dismutase activity and regulated the cytokine levels of the spleen and thymus in vivo.(Zhang 2011)

Diabetes

Clinical data

The American Diabetes Association's updated guidelines on the standards of medical care in diabetes (2021) recommends an individualized medical nutrition therapy program as needed to achieve treatment goals for all people with type 1 or 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes (level A) with low-calorie or non-nutritive sweeteners used only as a short-term replacement strategy for those who consume sugar-sweetened beverages regularly. Overall, a decrease in both sweetened and non-nutritive-sweetened beverages and use of other alternatives, with an emphasis on water, should be encouraged (level B).(ADA 2021)

Sweetening properties

Animal data

The natural sweetening abilities of PureLo, a noncaloric sweetener that is the dried concentrate of luo han guo, was tested on mice at dose levels ranging from 0 to 100,000 ppm. This 28-day dietary study resulted in no associated toxicity.(Marone 2008)

Luo Han Guo side effects

Several toxicity studies have been performed with the dried fruit concentrate in mice and dogs.Qin 2006 These studies did not reveal any adverse reactions or toxicity with dietary use of luo han guo.Marone 2008

Before taking Luo Han Guo

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Luo Han Guo

Clinical data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. However, the fruit is consumed in normal amounts in the form of herbal teas or soups. The sweetener PureLo is intended for use at a fraction of 1%, far lower than the 10% constituting the highest level tested. Research with PureLo has shown it is aversive to humans at extremely high concentrations.Marone 2008

Warnings

Certain luo han guo refined fruit extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to the US FDA, for use as sweeteners.Soejarto 2019 The acute toxicity of mogrosides was found to be lower than that of table salt and citric acid (median lethal dose, 3 and 6.73 g•kg−1, respectively) following oral administration to rats.Liu 2018

What other drugs will affect Luo Han Guo

None well documented.

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