Natural Herb Library

Luffa Vegetable Sponge

Chinese
丝瓜络
Pinyin
Si Gua Luo
Latin
Retinervus Luffae Fructus
Botanical illustration of Luffa Vegetable Sponge, Luffa aegyptiaca, showing mature fibrous sponge body, source gourd, seed cavity, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Si Gua Luo (丝瓜络), this sweet, neutral herb enters the Lung, Stomach, and Liver. Traditionally, it unblocks the channels and collaterals; relieves chest, rib-side, and joint pain from Qi and Blood stagnation, most often applied for chest pain, joint pain, and insufficient lactation. Modern research has identified Triterpenoid among its active constituents.

Part used: Leaf vein

Also Known As

Luffa cylindrica Luffa aegyptiaca Vegetable Sponge Loofah

Latin: Retinervus Luffae Fructus | Pinyin: Si Gua Luo | Chinese: 丝瓜络

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet
Temperature
neutral
Channels
Lung, Stomach, Liver

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Unblocks the channels and collaterals; relieves chest, rib-side, and joint pain from Qi and Blood stagnation
  • Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm; treats Lung-Heat cough with thick phlegm
  • Promotes lactation for insufficient or blocked breast milk flow

Secondary Actions

  • Charred form (Si Gua Luo Tan) used to stop bleeding for hematochezia and abnormal uterine bleeding

Classical References

  • Documented in Qing-dynasty materia medica as a channel-opening material derived from the dried, fibrous vascular skeleton of the mature gourd

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Triterpenoid saponins (lucyoside B)
  • Oleanolic acid
  • Cucurbitane-type compounds

Studied Effects

  • Lucyoside B suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, IL-6, MCP-1) via NF-κB and AP-1 pathway inhibition in macrophages
  • Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity documented across plant extracts

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Cautions

  • Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold with loose stools

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luffa Vegetable Sponge used for?

Luffa Vegetable Sponge is traditionally used to Unblocks the channels and collaterals; relieves chest, rib-side, and joint pain from Qi and Blood stagnation, Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm; treats Lung-Heat cough with thick phlegm, Promotes lactation for insufficient or blocked breast milk flow. Research has investigated its effects on: Lucyoside B suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, IL-6, MCP-1) via NF-κB and AP-1 pathway inhibition in macrophages; Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity documented across plant extracts.

What are other names for Luffa Vegetable Sponge?

Luffa Vegetable Sponge is also known as Luffa cylindrica, Luffa aegyptiaca, Vegetable Sponge, Loofah. In TCM: 丝瓜络 (Si Gua Luo); Retinervus Luffae Fructus.

Is Luffa Vegetable Sponge safe during pregnancy?

Luffa Vegetable Sponge is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.