Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Gua Lou Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Gua Lou label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Gua Lou against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gua Lou is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cough and chest congestion, constipation, diabetes (traditional use).Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Gua Lou by Herbal Terra

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Gua Lou by Herbal Terra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gua Lou by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product is a single-ingredient liquid extract: wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii), the dried fruit of Chinese cucumber. The extract is suspended in menstruum, an inactive carrier liquid used to deliver the herb.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Chinese Cucumber product and its label doesn't state a use — see Chinese Cucumber's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

We don't have reliable evidence to rate Gua Lou for osteoarthritis or any other condition in the data we hold. If you're considering this for a specific health goal, talk to your pharmacist about what the research actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chinese Cucumber

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Orally, the fruit form is generally well tolerated, though some people report mild diarrhea or stomach discomfort. The big safety note: this product is not safe in pregnancy — Chinese cucumber can cause miscarriage and must be avoided if you're pregnant or planning to be.

There isn't enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding either. Also important: some forms of Chinese cucumber, especially trichosanthin (an injectable protein from the plant), can cause serious harm and are only safe under medical supervision.

This liquid extract is the fruit form, not that injectable, but the distinction matters if you've encountered other trichosanthin products.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chinese Cucumber

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Chinese Cucumber.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your diabetes medications (insulin and oral blood sugar drugs) — Moderate interaction documented. Run any other prescriptions through the tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take diabetes medication, check with your pharmacist before starting — blood sugar monitoring may be needed. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid it.

For anyone else, mild stomach upset is possible. Talk to us if you're on any prescriptions.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Gua Lou, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7429523899879
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 233896
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Gua Lou by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
7429523899879
IngredientAmount% DV
wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Sugar free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Trichosanthes kirilowii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Gua Lou by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Gua Lou label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gua Lou by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract

Interacts with
86 drugs
970 mg per serving

Chinese cucumber (Trichosanthes kirilowii) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, and a protein from its root called trichosanthin (Compound...

Wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gua Lou by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gua Lou?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Gua Lou interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Gua Lou interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gua Lou with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Chinese cucumber with antidiabetic drugs may have additive effects and adverse effects. Monitor blood glucose levels closely, dose adjustment may be needed.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
wildcrafted Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kiriowii) dried fruit liquid extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Gua Lou, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gua Lou by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Gua Lou by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gua Lou has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Gua Lou contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against it in pregnancy because Chinese cucumber can cause miscarriage. There also isn't enough safety information for breastfeeding, so it's best avoided then too. Talk to your OB or midwife for alternatives.
Will it cause side effects?
The fruit extract is generally well tolerated. Some people report mild diarrhea or stomach discomfort, but these are usually mild. The unprocessed seed can cause more serious gastric trouble, nausea, and vomiting — this product uses the fruit extract, so that's less of a concern.
What is trichosanthin, and should I be worried about it in this product?
Trichosanthin is a protein from Chinese cucumber that can cause serious harm when injected — it's something you'd only receive under medical supervision. This liquid extract is the fruit form, not an injectable, so that specific risk doesn't apply here.
Does Gua Lou work for osteoarthritis?
We don't have reliable evidence to say whether it works for that condition. If that's what you're taking it for, ask your pharmacist about other options with better evidence behind them.
I take diabetes medication. Can I use this?
Maybe, but not without checking first. This product may lower blood sugar the same way your medication does, so you'd need to monitor your glucose carefully and might need a dose adjustment. Talk to your doctor before starting it.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Gua Lou is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Gua Lou label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Gua Lou’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Chinese Cucumber

Interacts with 86 drugs

Chinese cucumber (Trichosanthes kirilowii) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, and a protein from its root called trichosanthin (Compound Q) has been studied as an injectable dr...

Read the full Chinese Cucumber monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gua Lou's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 4 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chinese Cucumber 4 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Hikino H, Yoshizawa M, Suzuki Y, et al. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of trichosans A, B, C, D, and E: glycans of Trichosanthes kirilowii roots. Planta Med 1989;55:349-50.
  4. Jung YB, Roh KJ, Jung JA, et al. Effect of SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind placebo controlled study. Am J Chin Med. 2001;29(3-4):485-91. PubMed

See these in context on the Chinese Cucumber monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team