Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kirilowii) (Trichosanthes kirilowii)

Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kirilowii) contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds distributed across its fruit, seeds, and root. The dried fruit peel and pulp contain approximately 20-30% total carbohydrates, with soluble dietary fiber comprising roughly 8-12% of dry weight, contributing to its digestive benefits. Crude protein content in the seeds ranges from 26-31% dry weight, with the seed oil constituting approximately 26-40% of seed weight, rich in conjugated fatty acids including trichosanthic acid (a C18 conjugated fatty acid) at concentrations of 10-15% of total fatty acids, and linoleic acid comprising up to 60-70% of seed oil fatty acids. Key bioactive compounds include cucurbitacins (tetracyclic triterpenoids) at approximately 0.1-0.5% dry weight, which contribute to anti-inflammatory activity. Trichosanthin (a ribosome-inactivating protein) is concentrated in the root at approximately 2-5 mg/g dry weight. Flavonoids, including luteolin and quercetin glycosides, are present at approximately 0.3-0.8% dry weight in the fruit peel. Saponins are found at approximately 1-3% dry weight. The fruit contains vitamin C at approximately 20-40 mg per 100g fresh weight. Potassium is notably present at approximately 250-300 mg per 100g, with smaller amounts of calcium (30-50 mg/100g), magnesium (20-30 mg/100g), and zinc (0.5-1.0 mg/100g). Polysaccharides (primarily glucans and galactans) constitute approximately 15-25% of dry weight and are considered key immunomodulatory compounds with moderate oral bioavailability estimated at 20-35%. The seeds contain phytosterols, primarily sitosterol and stigmasterol, at approximately 200-400 mg per 100g of seed oil. Bioavailability of fat-soluble compounds is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats, while water-soluble polysaccharides show improved absorption in decocted preparations.