Evidence supporting the use of: Luo Han Guo
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), also known as monk fruit, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Its traditional uses center around clearing heat, relieving cough, and moistening the lungs. In TCM theory, Luo Han Guo is sometimes included in formulas intended to support the Spleen—a functional concept in TCM that relates to digestion, energy, and fluid metabolism—especially when Spleen weakness is believed to contribute to phlegm production or chronic cough. However, direct references to Luo Han Guo being used specifically to "tonify" or strengthen the Spleen are limited. Its more established roles are as a cooling, moistening agent for the Lung and to relieve throat discomfort.
Some TCM practitioners may include Luo Han Guo in larger formulas that aim to harmonize the Spleen and Lung, particularly if digestive weakness is seen as part of a broader symptom pattern. There is little direct scientific research supporting Luo Han Guo's ability to support the Spleen as understood in TCM or in a Western biomedical sense. Most modern research focuses on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and non-caloric sweetening properties. The traditional rating of 2 reflects its occasional inclusion in Spleen-supporting formulas, but it is not a primary or widely recognized Spleen tonic.
Other ingredients that support Spleen
green chirettaapple
apricot
artichoke
astragalus
myrobalan
Beta-Glucan
black garlic
blackberry
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
rice
bupleurum falcatum
catechins
catjang cowpea
cauliflower
chaga mushroom
chamomile
chen pi
collard
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dyer’s woad root
eleuthero
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gardenia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
grape
onion
green tea
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
jujube
kale
kelp
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maitake mushroom
mango
mangosteen
moringa
oleanolic acid
ophiopogon root
orange
parsley
perilla
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quinoa
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spinach
strawberry
triphala
almond fruit
turkey tail mushroom
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
seaweed
water
mulberry
red clover
jiaogulan
chickweed
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
mugwort
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
swertia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
morus
root tuber
silk tree
flowering quince
dioscorea
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
trace minerals
coix
wheat germ
noni
millet seed
algae
ashitaba
Aralia
Alpha Glucans
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ankaflavin
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Abrus
Amomum
Albizia
Andrographolide
Asam gelugor
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Adenophora
Artemisia Anomala
Anemarrhena
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Atractylone
Animal protein
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
bergenin
Breadnut
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bok Choy
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Bael
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Cumin
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Calycosin
Coriolus mushroom
Combretum quadrangulare
Codonopsis
Capillary Artemisia
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Curcumen
Capers
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
Carob
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Chinese Thoroughwax
Cephalotaxus sinensis
Ceanothus integerrimus
Chebulinic acid
Costus
Cynanchum
Danshen
Dendrobium
Dolichos
Deoxyandrographolides
Dulse
Erodium cicutarium
eggplant
Egg
Euryale seed
Emblicanin
Elkweed
Emodin
Enokitake
Flavonoids
Flammulina velutipes
Goldthread
Garlic
Lotus
Orchid
Sumac
walnut
Other body systems supported by Luo Han Guo
Digestive SystemGastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Pancreas Head
Respiratory System
Spleen