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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