Evidence supporting the use of: Gac
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis), a fruit native to Southeast Asia, has a long history of traditional use in skin care, primarily in Vietnam and neighboring countries. Traditionally, Gac is consumed for its perceived health benefits, with its bright red aril being particularly valued for its richness in carotenoids—especially beta-carotene and lycopene—which are known antioxidants. In folklore, Gac oil has been applied topically or consumed to promote healthy, glowing skin and to address general skin concerns, likely due to its reputation for supporting overall vitality and protection from oxidative damage.

While traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains limited. A handful of laboratory and animal studies suggest that the carotenoids and vitamin E present in Gac have antioxidant properties that could theoretically benefit skin health by reducing oxidative stress and supporting skin barrier function. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating Gac’s efficacy in treating or supporting general skin care. Most evidence is extrapolated from the known benefits of carotenoids and antioxidants in skin health rather than direct studies on Gac itself. Thus, while traditional use is notable and biologically plausible mechanisms exist, high-quality scientific evidence supporting Gac for skin care is currently modest.

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Products containing Gac

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