gualou

Gualou is the dried mature fruit of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., commonly known as snakegourd or Chinese cucumber. It is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb primarily used to clear heat and resolve phlegm in the lungs. Gualou is indicated for conditions such as cough with thick, sticky phlegm, chest congestion, lung abscesses, breast abscesses (mastitis), and constipation due to heat and dryness in the intestines[2][5]. Its main pharmacological actions include anti-inflammatory effects (suppressing targets like IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), antioxidant activity[1][5], regulation of vascular endothelial growth/function (affecting VEGFA and eNOS), improvement of blood lipid levels[1], diuretic properties (promoting urination)[5], and moistening/lubricating the intestines[4][5]. The active compounds include trichosanthin among others. Modern research has explored its potential for managing diabetes and tumors; laboratory studies suggest antiviral activity against HIV replication via trichosanthin protein but clinical evidence remains limited[3]. Gualou should be used with caution during pregnancy due to abortifacient effects reported for root extracts.

Other names

Trichosanthes fruitSnakegourd fruitFructus TrichosanthisChinese cucumbergua-loutian-hua-fen