Evidence supporting the use of: Luo Han Guo
For the health condition: Sore Throat
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, also known as monk fruit) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting the throat and relieving symptoms such as sore throat and cough. In Chinese herbal medicine, Luo Han Guo is classified as a "cooling" herb and is often included in remedies designed to "clear heat" and soothe irritation in the respiratory tract. Traditional texts and modern herbal compendia frequently recommend Luo Han Guo for sore throat, hoarseness, and dry cough, typically prepared as a tea or decoction.
Scientific evidence for its effectiveness in treating sore throats is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in Luo Han Guo extracts, which could theoretically contribute to its soothing effects. However, clinical trials specifically investigating its efficacy for sore throat relief are lacking. The use for this purpose is therefore primarily justified by longstanding tradition and anecdotal use rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence rating is moderate based on traditional use (2 out of 5), reflecting the absence of high-quality clinical studies but a strong historical precedent for its application in this context.
Other ingredients used for Sore Throat
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black pepper
chamomile
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
glehnia root
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
mint
spruce
platycodon root
sage
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
chaff flower
yarrow
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
flowering quince
sweetgums
camphor oil
wood betony
horehound
Sichuan pepper
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
acacia
Agrimony
Alchornea
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bougainvillea
Buddha's Hand
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Carvone
Cistus
Cubeb
Carlina
Calamus
Culvers Root
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
English Horsemint
Elder
Goldthread
Orsa salt
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Luo Han Guo
Acid IndigestionAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gastritis
Hangover
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hypertension
Indigestion
Influenza
Laryngitis
Pneumonia
Rashes and Hives
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Sugar Cravings
Ulcers