Monk Fruit vs Porphyra umbilicalis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Monk Fruit

Siraitia grosvenorii

Nutritive

Nutritive

Description

A Chinese gourd whose mogrosides are 150-300x sweeter than sugar with zero calories, used in TCM for coughs and longevity.

Red seaweed used in Japanese sushi nori; traditional Welsh laverbread; rich in B vitamins including B12.

Active Compounds

Mogroside V, Mogroside IV, Mogrol, Vitamin C

phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, porphyran, taurine

Traditional Uses

Sore throat, Cough, Constipation, Longevity tonic

nutritive, thyroid, constipation, vitamin B12 source for vegetarians

Modern Uses

Zero-calorie sweetener, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic

nutritive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, thyroid support

Adult Dosage

As sweetener: use to taste; Medicinal: 9-15g dried fruit in decoction

3-10g dried nori sheets daily

Contraindications

None well documented

iodine sensitivity, hyperthyroidism

Side Effects

Bloating (rare), Allergic reactions (gourd family)

generally very safe as food

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E