Longan
Other names for Longan
arillus longan
dimocarpus longan
dimocarpus longan aril extract
dimocarpus longan extract
dimocarpus longan fruit
euphoria fruit extract
euphoria longan
euphoria longana
euphoria longan peel extract, dry
longan
longan arils
longan berry extract
longan, dried
longan (euphoria longan) dried peel liquid extract
longan extract
longan fleshy seed cover extract
longan fruit extract
longan fruit powder
longan peel extract, dry
longan, powder
longan root extract
reconstituted longan fruit juice
Synopsis of Longan
History
Longan (Dimocarpus longan), known as "long yan rou" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a tropical fruit native to Southern Asia. Historically, it has been cherished not only for its sweet, juicy taste but also for its potent medicinal properties. Ancient Chinese texts dating back over 2,000 years describe longan as a remedy for enhancing vitality, nourishing the heart, and calming the mind. It was traditionally prescribed to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and combat fatigue, making it a popular tonic for those suffering from insomnia or nervousness.
Longan’s dried fruit is especially valued in Eastern herbal medicine. It is commonly used in decoctions and teas to invigorate the blood and promote healthy circulation. In TCM, longan is believed to replenish "qi" (life energy), nourish the blood, and support spleen and heart health. Women often consume it to alleviate menstrual discomfort and to recover from childbirth, due to its supposed blood-building effects.
Longan frequently appears in herbal combinations, used synergistically with herbs like astragalus, licorice root, and jujube dates. These blends are designed to amplify its restorative and calming actions, making them popular among those seeking natural remedies for stress and exhaustion. Modern research supports some of these traditional uses, revealing longan’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, longan's enduring presence in herbal medicine highlights its valued role as a gentle, nourishing ingredient that supports overall wellness and vitality.
Traditional and scientific validation
Longan (Dimocarpus longan), often referred to as "longanis" in some regions, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia and valued both as a food and traditional medicinal ingredient. Historically, longan fruit has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, where it is believed to nourish the heart and spleen, calm the mind, and enhance blood health. It has been incorporated into various tonics and herbal formulations to address fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety.
Scientific exploration of longan has focused on its rich content of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that longan extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. For instance, research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has shown that longan fruit extract may exert anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects in animal models, potentially validating its traditional use for calming the mind.
Additionally, some in vitro studies suggest that longan may support immune function and possess anti-microbial activity. Its high vitamin C content also contributes to its reputation as a nutritional supplement, supporting overall health and vitality.
However, clinical trials in humans are limited, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm the extent of longan’s health benefits and establish effective dosages for specific conditions. Despite this, the fruit's longstanding use and emerging scientific evidence support its inclusion in nutritional products as a functional ingredient with promising health-promoting properties.
Longan is used for these health conditions
Anemia (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Longan is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)