​Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)

Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)

Product Name: Архат, Siraitia grosvenorii, Mönchsfrucht, Fruta del monje, Fruit du moine, فاكهة الراهب, ลูกหล่อฮั้งก้วย

Synonyms: Архат, Монахов фрукт, Луо Хан Го, Плод Будды, Monk fruit, Luo Han Guo, Arhat fruit, Frucht der Mönche, Mönchsfrucht, Fruta del monje, Fruta de los monjes, Fruit du moine, Fruit des moines, فاكهة الراهب, فاكهة لووهانقو, ลูกหล่อฮั้งก้วย, ผลหล่อฮั้งก้วย

Main Indications for Siraitia grosvenorii Use: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, alimentary obesity, chronic pharyngitis, hypertrophic laryngitis, chronic bronchitis, dry cough, asthenic syndrome, oropharyngeal inflammation, dry mouth syndrome, gastritis with low acidity, thermal burn of the oral mucosa, chronic tonsillitis.

Use of Siraitia grosvenorii in mixtures and complexes: Hypertension, coronary heart disease, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, lipid metabolism disorders, viral hepatitis, alcohol intoxication, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sensorineural hearing loss.

Pharmacological Properties of Siraitia grosvenorii: hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, immunomodulating, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, analgesic, antiallergic, antiseptic, tonic, regenerative.

Pharmaceutical Forms and Dosages of Siraitia grosvenorii

Powder — Siraitia grosvenorii

Standard Dosage (Powder): 500–1000 mg 2 times a day after meals, without the need for fat support. Course of use — 21–30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 1000–1500 mg 2–3 times a day after meals. Permissible for pronounced symptoms, course — up to 20 days.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Up to 3000 mg per day, divided into 3 doses. Course — no more than 10 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Recommended dose: 10–20 mg/kg body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Permissible from 6 years of age. Calculation: 5–10 mg/kg body weight 1–2 times a day.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): Suitable for adults and adolescents at risk of metabolic disorders. Intake: 500 mg once a day after meals, course — 14–21 days.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: According to toxicological tests, LD₅₀ in rats >15 g/kg orally.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Up to 24 months in an airtight glass container shielded with food foil, at a temperature of +5...+25 °C and humidity not exceeding 60%.

Dry Extract — Siraitia grosvenorii

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 250–500 mg 2 times a day after meals, without fat support. Course — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 750 mg 2–3 times a day after meals. Course — up to 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1000 mg 3 times a day. Course — no more than 10 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Recommended dose: 5–10 mg/kg body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 6 years of age. Dose: 2–5 mg/kg 1–2 times a day.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): For adults and adolescents: 250 mg once a day, course — 14 days every 2 months.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: LD₅₀ >10 g/kg in mice upon oral administration of the extract.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Up to 18 months in a tightly closed glass container shielded with foil, at a temperature of +5...+25 °C, humidity up to 60%.

Aqueous Infusion — Siraitia grosvenorii

Indications for preferred use (Aqueous Infusion): Acute forms of cough, hyperthermia, oropharyngeal inflammation, age-related gastrointestinal sensitivity, childhood, postoperative conditions.

Standard Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 100–150 ml of infusion 2 times a day after meals, warm (+36...+38 °C). Course — 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Up to 200 ml 3 times a day. Course — no more than 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 600 ml per day, course no more than 5 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 10 ml/kg body weight per day, if necessary — divided into 2–3 doses.

Pediatric Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Permissible from 3 years of age. 50–100 ml per day, divided into 2 doses.

Preventive Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 50–100 ml once a day at night, course of 7 days per month.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀ (Aqueous Infusion): Not established; no data on toxicity of aqueous forms in the literature.

Preparation method (Aqueous Infusion): Pour 1 tablespoon of ground dry fruit with 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 40 minutes in a closed glass container, strain. Use within 24 hours.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Aqueous Infusion): Store for no more than 12 hours in a refrigerator (+2...+6 °C) in a glass container, heat before taking.

Mouthwash — Siraitia grosvenorii

Indications for use (Mouthwash): Chronic pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis in the recovery stage, irritation of the mucous membrane after thermal burns.

Standard Dosage (Mouthwash): 30–50 ml of infusion for one rinse, 3–4 times a day, course of 5–7 days. Used warm.

Enhanced Dosage (Mouthwash): 50 ml up to 5–6 times a day. Course — no more than 5 days.

Maximum Dosage (Mouthwash): No more than 6 rinses per day.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Not required.

Pediatric Dosage (Mouthwash): From 5 years of age — 20–30 ml per rinse, 2–3 times a day.

Preventive Dosage (Mouthwash): 1 rinse per day for 5 days — for recurrent pharyngitis or mucosal irritation.

Preparation method (Mouthwash Solution): From aqueous infusion (see above), the dose used is 30–50 ml per dose.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Mouthwash Solution): Up to 12 hours in a refrigerator (+2...+6 °C), in a glass container with a lid. Repeated heating is not allowed.

Contraindications of Siraitia grosvenorii

Oral administration: Internal use may be limited in case of individual intolerance to components, in childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in conditions requiring control of metabolic load. It is not recommended to take without medical supervision in patients with pronounced metabolic disorders or reduced functional reserve of detoxification systems.

Application to the skin: External use may be contraindicated in case of increased skin sensitivity, in the presence of acute inflammatory reactions or impaired integrity of the skin. In childhood and in persons with high skin reactivity, it is recommended to limit the area of application, duration of use and monitor skin reaction.

Contact with mucous membranes: Forms that involve contact with the vaginal, rectal, nasal, oral, ocular or respiratory mucosa require a preliminary assessment of tolerance. Contraindications may be associated with irritation of the mucous membranes, violation of their integrity, as well as individual hypersensitivity. During pregnancy, lactation and in childhood, the use of these forms requires increased attention and, if necessary, adaptation of the regimen of use.

Instillation into the nose and ears: Use in the form of instillation into the nasal passages or external auditory canal is limited in case of sensitivity, inflammation, mechanical irritation or obstructed outflow. In children, use is possible only at a reduced dosage and with special caution.

Note: In the presence of chronic conditions, reduced general tolerance, as well as when using the drug for the first time, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary assessment of the individual reaction. In case of doubt, a specialist consultation is required. All these contraindications are template and do not replace a clinical decision.

Side Effects of Siraitia grosvenorii

Oral administration: With internal use, reactions from the digestive system, changes in general well-being, individual sensitivity are possible. Side effects may include subjective discomfort, digestive reactions or short-term changes in mood and sleep. In most cases, the reactions are mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. If persistent or increasing symptoms occur, the intake should be discontinued.

Application to the skin: External use may be accompanied by local reactions, such as burning sensation, redness, itching, dry skin or peeling. In some cases, increased sensitivity of the skin to external stimuli may be observed. With increased dosage, prolonged use or application under a bandage, skin maceration is possible. All reactions are completely reversible after cessation of use.

Contact with mucous membranes: Upon contact of the drug with mucous membranes, irritation, tingling, burning sensation, increased lacrimation, short-term increase in secretion or discharge are possible. Less often — swelling, sensation of a foreign body, reflex cough or sneezing. Side effects are usually reversible and disappear after rinsing the mucous membrane with clean water or stopping use.

Instillation into the nose and ears: Local reactions may occur: increased mucus secretion, tingling, short-term itching or discomfort. With a sensitive mucous membrane — sneezing, tickling or a feeling of congestion are possible. In the ear form — a short-term feeling of pressure or "plug". Symptoms are reversible and do not require special treatment if they resolve on their own.

Note: Side effects, as a rule, are associated with an individual reaction of the body, exceeding the recommended dosage, prolonged continuous use or non-compliance with the route of administration. Before use, it is recommended to conduct a trial use or skin test. All symptoms are reversible with the right tactics. In case of persistent or systemic reactions, it is necessary to stop using the drug and, if necessary, consult a specialist.

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine of Siraitia grosvenorii

Siraitia grosvenorii is traditionally used in the territory of Southern China, in particular in the provinces of Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan and Guizhou, as well as in Northern Thailand, Northern Laos and Northern Vietnam. The main ethnic group that has preserved the sustainable use of the plant is the Zhuang people, along with the Dai, Miao, Yao and Hmong. In Chinese traditional medicine, arhat is known as "luo han guo" and has long been used in the form of decoctions and aqueous infusions, less often — in the form of boiled or baked juice, for use in hot climates. Infusions and drinks are prepared from dry fruits, traditionally consumed warm or cold. Arhat is also included in complex herbal preparations known as "cooling" or "anti-wind" compositions.

Historically, the first written mention of arhat fruits is attributed to Chinese herbalists of the Ming Dynasty (14th–15th centuries), where it was described as the "fruit of longevity" and "gift of the monks from the southern mountains." In the collections of Lu Shizhen and Bencao Gangmu, it is mentioned as a plant with an internal cooling principle and a "purifying nature." According to the folklore of the Zhuang people, arhat was considered a gift from the immortal monk Luohan, whose name formed the basis of the Chinese name of the fruit. In local ritual practices, it symbolized purification and protection from evil spirits, especially during the period of summer epidemics and spiritual cleansing of the home. It was considered a plant of power that protects inner harmony.

In Northern Thailand, arhat is sometimes used as part of festive cleansing teas in the monastic tradition or included in gift sets during the Vassawa season (Buddhist retreat), symbolizing health and clarity. Non-medical use is also recorded among the Dai people, where the fruit was considered a talisman against summer fever and was added to ritual fumigations to cleanse premises.

Pharmacodynamics of Siraitia grosvenorii

Arhat has a complex pharmacological action covering several physiological systems. Pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic and modulating effects have been established. The active components of the taxon affect the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and respiratory tract, indirectly affecting the immune and barrier function of the epithelium. At the systemic level, regulation of carbohydrate metabolism is possible due to effects on metabolic cascades. It has been proven that arhat compounds exhibit activity against free radicals, modulate the release of cytokines and maintain the functional stability of neurohumoral systems. With external use, a local antiseptic and protective effect is manifested.

Pharmacokinetics of Siraitia grosvenorii

Upon oral administration, the active compounds of arhat — mainly cucurbitacide glycosides and terpenoids — are absorbed in the small intestine, with partial participation of the microflora in the transformation process. Distribution is mainly limited to the plasma and mucous membranes of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Metabolism is carried out mainly in the liver, followed by excretion through bile and kidneys. When used in the form of infusion or decoction, the bioavailability of the components may depend on the temperature, extraction time and accompanying food background. With external or transmucosal use, local absorption with minimal systemic distribution is possible. Inhalation routes of administration are not described, but water-soluble components allow contact with the respiratory mucosa.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale of Siraitia grosvenorii

The pharmacological activity of arhat is associated with the action of mogrosides — triterpene glycosides that affect cellular and mediator mechanisms. In vitro studies have shown their ability to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, as well as to reduce the expression of NF-κB, which indicates an anti-inflammatory potential. Antioxidant activity is realized through the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stabilization of cell membranes. In addition, an effect on the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, which is associated with the regulation of energy metabolism, has been revealed. A decrease in the activity of alpha-glucosidase has been noted, which may play a role in the control of glucose metabolism.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Synergy of Siraitia grosvenorii

Pharmacological synergy of arhat with taxa that have antioxidant, immunomodulatory and protective effects on mucous membranes has been confirmed. In particular, interaction with extracts of Chinese camellia and licorice reveals a potentiating enhancement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity due to a synergistic effect on the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Combined use with plants containing polyphenols enhances the protection of the epithelial barrier and reduces oxidative stress. The nature of the interaction is predominantly additive with elements of potentiation in combined forms. The effect is realized at the systemic and tissue levels, including the respiratory organs, gastrointestinal tract and immune system.

References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...