Evidence supporting the use of: Lo Han Guo
For the health condition: Rhinitis, Allergic
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), also known as monk fruit, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for respiratory ailments such as cough, sore throat, and phlegm accumulation. In TCM, Lo Han Guo is classified as a cooling herb and is often used to clear heat and moisten the lungs. Its use for rhinitis, especially allergic rhinitis, stems from these traditional indications, as TCM practitioners often associate rhinitis symptoms with "heat" or "dryness" in the lungs and throat.
Despite its traditional use, there is limited modern scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Lo Han Guo for allergic rhinitis. Most research on monk fruit focuses on its sweetening properties and antioxidant activity rather than its effects on allergy symptoms. There are some in vitro and animal studies suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-histaminic effects of extracts from Siraitia grosvenorii, but these are preliminary and not specifically targeted at allergic rhinitis in humans.
In summary, the use of Lo Han Guo for allergic rhinitis is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence supporting its use for this condition is weak (rated 2/5), relying largely on its historical reputation and general anti-inflammatory properties rather than direct clinical trials.
Other ingredients used for Rhinitis, Allergic
alpha-pinenebenegut perilla (proprietary)
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium lactis
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
chamomile
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
perilla
purple butterbur root
quercetin
vitamin C
malabar nut
inula racemosa
tylophora
Asarum heterotropoides
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Butterbur
Bifidobacterium animalis
Belamcanda
Cineole
Ephedra
European Elder
Elder
Ivy
Other health conditions supported by Lo Han Guo
Acid IndigestionAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Influenza
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Ulcers