A review of Siraitia grosvenorii: Applications, breeding, and biosynthesis of mogrosides

<i>Siraitia grosvenorii</i> is a premier food-medicine homologous species recognised by China's National Health Commission and produces mogrosides as its primary active component. These compounds exhibit biological activities, including the regulation of blood sugar, fat metabolism, and immune function regulation. They are classified as high-intensity, non-nutritive sweeteners with significant medicinal potential and nutritional value. This review systematically explores the applications of <i>S. grosvenorii</i> in traditional medicine and foods, with a focus on advances in the conservation of germplasm resources and the traditional breeding of elite varieties, mogroside biosynthetic pathways and the characterization of key genes, and synthetic biology platforms for mogroside production. We have identified the low content of mogroside V in <i>S. grosvenorii</i> as the main reason for its limited application. To address this issue, we propose two strategic approaches: enhancing mogroside content <i>in vivo</i> through molecular design breeding and developing three synthetic biology platforms for mogrosides synthesis to increase yields. These solutions offer viable ways to reduce production costs and expand the commercial use of <i>S. grosvenorii</i> medicines and sweeteners.