Chinese herbs
Monk fruit
Also called: luo han guo, swingle
A sweet gourd used as a sugar substitute and for coughs.
- Why people take it
- Sore throat, sweetener.
- What the evidence says
- Little research.
- How it is usually taken
- Used as a sweetener; amounts in food are safe.
- Be careful
- Generally safe.
- Medicines it can interact with
- No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Other chinese herbs
Common questions
What is Monk fruit?
A sweet gourd used as a sugar substitute and for coughs.
Why do people take Monk fruit?
Sore throat, sweetener.
Does Monk fruit work?
Little research.
How much Monk fruit do people take?
Used as a sweetener; amounts in food are safe.
Is Monk fruit safe?
Generally safe.
Does Monk fruit interact with medicines?
No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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