Gentian

Common names: Gentian also is known as stemless gentian, yellow gentian, bitter root, pale gentian, and gall weed.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Gentian?

Native to Europe and western Asia, G. lutea is a perennial herb that produces a cluster of fragrant orange-yellow flowers. G. acaulis is native to the European Alps at 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The roots and rhizomes are nearly cylindrical, sometimes branched, and are longitudinally wrinkled. The color of the rhizomes, ranging from dark brown to light tan, appears to be related to its bitter principal content, the darker roots having more of a persistent bitter taste. The roots and rhizome of G. lutea are used medicinally, whereas the entire plant of G. acaulis is used. Numerous species of Gentian native to China are used in Chinese traditional medicine.

It should be noted that the dye, gentian violet, is not derived from this plant.

What is Gentian used for?

The gentians have been used for centuries as bitters to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion, and to treat a variety of GI complaints (eg, heartburn, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea). Both gentian and stemless gentian generally are recognized as safe by the FDA for food use. The extracts are used in a variety of foods, cosmetics, and some antismoking products. The plant has been used externally to treat wounds, and internally to treat sore throat, arthritic inflammation, and jaundice.

Stemless gentian usually is consumed as a tea or alcoholic extract such as Angostura Bitters. Bitter substances ingested before eating are reputed to improve the appetite and aid digestion by stimulating the flow of gastric juices and bile. However, since gentian is most often consumed as an alcoholic beverage, it is difficult to distinguish the effects of gentian from those of alcohol, which are quite similar when alcohol is consumed in moderate amounts. Research reveals no animal or clinical data regarding the use of gentian for stimulation of appetite.

Gentianine (one of the chemical components in gentian) has been shown to exert a measurable anti-inflammatory effect in animals. No clinical studies have been performed to verify this use.

What is the dosage of Gentian?

Gentian root has been used as a bitter digestive tonic in doses from 1 to 4 g/day. There are no clinical studies to substantiate this dose recommendation.

Is Gentian safe?

Contraindicated in gastric ulcer because of stimulant effect on gastric secretion.

May not be well tolerated by women who are pregnant. Documented adverse effects. Avoid use.

None well documented.

The extract may cause gastric irritation, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

Acute veratrum alkaloid poisoning has been reported in persons who prepared homemade gentian wine that accidentally had been contaminated by veratrum.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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