Evidence supporting the use of: Luo San
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Luo San (also known as Luo Han Guo or monk fruit, Siraitia grosvenorii) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly for respiratory ailments such as coughs, sore throat, and symptoms associated with colds. In TCM, Luo San is believed to clear heat, moisten the lungs, and relieve cough, making it a popular remedy for colds and related conditions. However, the primary justification for its use in colds comes from this traditional context rather than robust scientific evidence.
Regarding scientific validation, some laboratory studies have indicated that compounds found in Luo Han Guo, particularly mogrosides, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and there is limited evidence of antiviral activity in vitro. However, these findings are preliminary and not specific to common cold viruses (such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, or influenza), nor have they been confirmed in clinical trials involving humans with colds. As such, while there is some pharmacological rationale supporting its use, the direct scientific evidence for Luo San's antiviral efficacy in treating or preventing the common cold is weak or lacking.
In summary, the use of Luo San for colds is primarily supported by traditional use with modest supportive evidence from preclinical studies, but little or no high-quality clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Luo San
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (sinus)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Infection