Snakegourd Seed
- Chinese
- 瓜蒌子
- Pinyin
- Gua Lou Zi
- Latin
- Semen Trichosanthis
Known in TCM as Gua Lou Zi (瓜蒌子), this sweet, cold herb enters the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it moistens the Lung and transforms phlegm ... Gua Lou Zi is used for cough with thick sputum, dryness, and phlegm-heat binding the chest, most often applied for productive cough, constipation, and breast abscess. Modern research has identified Fatty among its active constituents.
Part used: Seed
Also Known As
Latin: Semen Trichosanthis | Pinyin: Gua Lou Zi | Chinese: 瓜蒌子
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Moistens the Lung and transforms phlegm ... Gua Lou Zi is used for cough with thick sputum, dryness, and phlegm-heat binding the chest.
- Lubricates the intestines and unblocks the bowels ... the oily seeds are classically chosen when heat and dryness produce difficult stool.
- Reduces swelling and helps resolve abscess-type phlegm-heat accumulation ... traditional use includes breast or lung abscess patterns.
Secondary Actions
- This seed page should stay distinct from the peel sibling ... the seeds are oilier and more bowel-moistening while the peel is more directly chest-opening.
- Traditional listings often use both `Gua Lou Zi` and `Gua Lou Ren` for the same medicinal seed lane.
Classic Formulas
- Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan ... phlegm-heat cough with chest oppression and thick sputum.
- Gua Lou Xie Bai Ban Xia Tang ... when chest obstruction and phlegm binding are prominent.
- Moistening-bowel pairings with other oily seeds ... used when Lung dryness and dry constipation coexist.
Classical References
- Traditional herbals describe Gua Lou Zi as the seed-focused moistening and downward-directing member of the Gua Lou family.
- Its use for both phlegm-heat cough and dry constipation reflects the seed's richer oil content compared with the peel.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Fatty oils rich in linoleic and oleic acids
- Protein fractions from Trichosanthes seeds
- Flavonoids and sterols
- Polysaccharide-rich extract fractions
Studied Effects
- A 2021 study found that Trichosanthis Semen suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by regulating NF-kappaB signaling and HO-1 expression in microglia models (PMID 34941735).
- A 2024 Alzheimer's disease model study reported neuroprotective effects from Trichosanthis Semen, including reduced amyloid-beta accumulation and modulation of Akt and ERK pathways (PMID 38363611).
- A 2022 study on a Trichosanthis Semen and ginger-rhizome mixture found improved LPS-induced memory dysfunction through inhibition of neuroinflammation, extending modern CNS-oriented interest in the seed lane (PMID 36430493).
PubMed References
- Trichosanthis Semen Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation by Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway and HO-1 Expression in Microglia. (2021)
- Trichosanthis Semen Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in Alzheimer's Disease Models by Inhibiting Amyloid-β Accumulation and Regulating the Akt and ERK Signaling Pathways. (2024)
- Trichosanthis Semen and Zingiberis Rhizoma Mixture Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Memory Dysfunction by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation. (2022)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen deficiency with loose stools
- Cold-phlegm and deficiency-cold bowel patterns
Cautions
- The seed's oily moistening nature can worsen diarrhea when dryness is not the real problem.
- As with the broader Gua Lou family, classical incompatibility discussions warn against Wu Tou combinations.
Conditions
- Productive Cough Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Constipation Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Breast Abscess Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snakegourd Seed used for?
Snakegourd Seed is traditionally used to Moistens the Lung and transforms phlegm ... Gua Lou Zi is used for cough with thick sputum, dryness, and phlegm-heat binding the chest., Lubricates the intestines and unblocks the bowels ... the oily seeds are classically chosen when heat and dryness produce difficult stool., Reduces swelling and helps resolve abscess-type phlegm-heat accumulation ... traditional use includes breast or lung abscess patterns.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2021 study found that Trichosanthis Semen suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by regulating NF-kappaB signaling and HO-1 expression in microglia models (PMID 34941735).; A 2024 Alzheimer's disease model study reported neuroprotective effects from Trichosanthis Semen, including reduced amyloid-beta accumulation and modulation of Akt and ERK pathways (PMID 38363611)..
What are other names for Snakegourd Seed?
Snakegourd Seed is also known as Gua Lou Ren, Trichosanthis Semen, Trichosanthis. In TCM: 瓜蒌子 (Gua Lou Zi); Semen Trichosanthis.
Is Snakegourd Seed safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Snakegourd Seed during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Snakegourd Seed?
Snakegourd Seed should not be used in: Spleen deficiency with loose stools; Cold-phlegm and deficiency-cold bowel patterns. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.