Siraitia grosvenorii
Siraitia grosvenorii (also known as Monk fruit or luo han guo) is a herbaceous perennial vine of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family, native to southern China and northern Thailand. The plant is well known for its sweet fruits, which are often used as a sugar substitute.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The plant's name, Siraitia grosvenorii, is derived from the Indonesian botanist, Odoardo Beccari, who discovered and named the plant. The species name, grosvenorii, is in honor of Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, a president of the National Geographic Society, which funded an expedition that brought back live plants.
Description[edit | edit source]
Siraitia grosvenorii is a perennial vine that grows up to 5 meters in length. The plant has heart-shaped leaves and yellow or green flowers. The fruit of the plant is round and approximately 3-5 cm in diameter. The fruit's exterior is covered in fine hairs and is initially green, turning brown or partially brown as it matures.
Cultivation and uses[edit | edit source]
The plant is primarily grown in the southern Chinese provinces of Guangxi, Guangdong, and Guizhou. The fruit is typically harvested in the form of a dried, round, brown or partially brown fruit. The fruit is known for its sweet taste, which is often used as a sugar substitute in traditional Chinese medicine. The fruit is also used in the production of Monk fruit sweetener, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that is growing in popularity.
Health benefits[edit | edit source]
The fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, sore throats, and gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies have also suggested that the fruit may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD