Natural Herb Library

Bitter Snake Gourd

Chinese
栝楼
Pinyin
Gua Lou
Latin
Fructus Trichosanthis
Botanical illustration of Bitter Snake Gourd, Trichosanthes kirilowii, showing vine habit, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi . View print →

Known in TCM as Gua Lou (栝楼), this sweet and bitter, cold herb enters the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it clears Heat and transforms Phlegm, most often applied for chest pain, productive cough, and constipation. Modern research has identified Cucurbitacins among its active constituents.

Part used: Fruit

Also Known As

Trichosanthis

Latin: Fructus Trichosanthis | Pinyin: Gua Lou | Chinese: 栝楼

TCM Properties

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

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm
  • Broadens the chest and dissipates chest obstruction
  • Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements
  • Disperses swellings and abscesses

Secondary Actions

  • Addresses breast abscess and lung abscess
  • Clears Phlegm-Heat from the upper burner

Classic Formulas

  • Gua Lou Xie Bai Bai Jiu Tang … foundational formula for chest bi syndrome and angina
  • Xiao Xian Xiong Tang … clears Phlegm-Heat binding in the chest with epigastric fullness
  • Gua Lou Xie Bai Ban Xia Tang … intensified formula for severe chest obstruction with Phlegm

Classical References

  • Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Moistens Lung dryness, descends Fire, treats cough, scours away knotted Phlegm and disperses abscesses, swellings, sores, and toxins'

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Cucurbitacins
  • Flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, apigenin)
  • Trichosanthes polysaccharides
  • Fatty acids (linolenic acid, oleic acid … primarily from seeds)
  • Sterols

Studied Effects

  • Multiple ribosome-inactivating proteins isolated from Trichosanthes kirilowii root and seeds; trichosanthin demonstrates anti-tumour activity (PMID 27225069)
  • Trichosanthin produced in crown gall tissue culture shows potential for choriocarcinoma treatment (PMID 16758196)
  • Trichosanthin exhibits multiple pharmacological properties including abortifacient and anti-tumour activity (PMID 8028444)

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Spleen deficiency with loose stools … cold, slippery nature worsens diarrhoea
  • Cold-Phlegm or Damp-Phlegm patterns
  • Classical incompatibility: do not combine with Wu Tou (Aconitum) preparations … listed in Eighteen Incompatibilities (十八反)

Cautions

  • Use with caution during pregnancy due to cold, slippery nature and potential laxative effects
  • Avoid in Stomach Cold conditions

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bitter Snake Gourd used for?

Bitter Snake Gourd is traditionally used to Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm, Broadens the chest and dissipates chest obstruction, Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements, Disperses swellings and abscesses. Research has investigated its effects on: Multiple ribosome-inactivating proteins isolated from Trichosanthes kirilowii root and seeds; trichosanthin demonstrates anti-tumour activity (PMID 27225069); Trichosanthin produced in crown gall tissue culture shows potential for choriocarcinoma treatment (PMID 16758196).

What are other names for Bitter Snake Gourd?

Bitter Snake Gourd is also known as Trichosanthis. In TCM: 栝楼 (Gua Lou); Fructus Trichosanthis.

Is Bitter Snake Gourd safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Bitter Snake Gourd during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Bitter Snake Gourd?

Bitter Snake Gourd should not be used in: Spleen deficiency with loose stools … cold, slippery nature worsens diarrhoea; Cold-Phlegm or Damp-Phlegm patterns; Classical incompatibility: do not combine with Wu Tou (Aconitum) preparations … listed in Eighteen Incompatibilities (十八反). Consult a qualified practitioner before use.