Muskmelon Seed

Chinese: 甜瓜子
Pinyin: Tian Gua Zi
Latin: Semen Cucumis

Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Tian Gua Zi (甜瓜子), this sweet, cold herb enters the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it clears Lung Heat and moistens the Intestines; treats cough from Lung Heat and constipation from dryness, most often applied for cough, constipation, and appendicitis. Modern research has identified Fatty among its active constituents.

Part used: Seed

Also Known As

Semen Melo Cucumis melo seed

Latin: Semen Cucumis | Pinyin: Tian Gua Zi | Chinese: 甜瓜子

TCM Properties

Taste: sweet
Temperature: cold
Channels: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

Clears Lung Heat and moistens the Intestines; treats cough from Lung Heat and constipation from dryness
Dissipates Blood stasis and expels pus; used for pulmonary abscess and intestinal abscess (acute appendicitis)

Secondary Actions

Also used topically and internally to heal wounds and relieve pain from traumatic injury and fracture

Classical References

Distinguished from the toxic Gua Di (melon pedicel) as the non-toxic seed of the same plant, used for moistening and pus-expelling rather than emetic purposes

Modern Research

Active Compounds

Fatty acids
Cucurbitacins (trace)
Polyphenols

Studied Effects

Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activity documented across seed and whole-fruit extracts
Supports traditional pus-expelling and wound-healing use

PubMed References

Anticancer Properties of Different Solvent Extracts of Cucumis melo L. Seeds and Whole Fruit and Their Metabolite Profiling Using HPLC and GC-MS

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

Diarrhea
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold

Conditions

Cough Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Constipation Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Appendicitis Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Traumatic Injury Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muskmelon Seed used for?

Muskmelon Seed is traditionally used to Clears Lung Heat and moistens the Intestines; treats cough from Lung Heat and constipation from dryness, Dissipates Blood stasis and expels pus; used for pulmonary abscess and intestinal abscess (acute appendicitis). Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activity documented across seed and whole-fruit extracts; Supports traditional pus-expelling and wound-healing use.

What are other names for Muskmelon Seed?

Muskmelon Seed is also known as Semen Melo, Cucumis melo seed. In TCM: 甜瓜子 (Tian Gua Zi); Semen Cucumis.

Is Muskmelon Seed safe during pregnancy?

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

What are the contraindications for Muskmelon Seed?

Muskmelon Seed should not be used in: Diarrhea; Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.