Genciana

Related Terms

Amarogentin, bitter root, bitterwort, centiyane, gallweed, gelber Enzian (German), gele gentian (Dutch), genciana (Portuguese - Brazil, Spanish), gentian, Gentiana lutea Linn?, Gentiana lutea subsp. symphyandra, Gentiana spathacea, Gentianaceae (family), Gentianae radix, gentiane jaune (French), gentiopicroside, gentisin, genziana maggiore (Italian), glycosides, goryczka z?lta (Polish), great yellow gentian, gul ensian (Danish), gullgentiana (Swedish), guls?te (Norwegian), horec zlut? (Czech), Indian gentian, iridoids, isogentisin, keltakatkero (Finnish), kollane emajuur (Estonian), pale gentian, rumeni svisc (Slavic), s?rga swertia (Hungarian), s?rga t?rnics (Hungarian), secoiridoids, stemless gentian, swert f?ve (Hungarian), Swertia chirata, xanthone glycosides, xanthones, yellow gentian.
Note: Gentiana lutea is not the source of gentian violet. Additionally, yellow gentian and the highly toxic Veratrum album (white hellebore) often grow in close proximity and are easily confused prior to flowering.
Combination products: Amaro Medicinale Giuliani (rhubarb extract, cascara extract, gentian tincture, boldo tincture), Sinupret? (European elder, common sorrel, cowslip, European vervain, gentian).

Background

Gentiana lutea is known for its bitter root. It has been used for hundreds of years for the digestive system. Supposedly, the action of gentian begins when it is absorbed by the membranes of the mouth. Particles in gentian stimulate the taste buds, causing an increase in saliva, gastric juice, and bile secretion.
Available human studies for the traditional uses of gentian are currently lacking. Although gentian has been used traditionally with relative safety, poisoning has been reported with homemade gentian wine contaminated with white hellebore.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Herbalists have previously used gentian to stimulate digestion. Gentian also reportedly stimulates the gallbladder and the liver. A study comparing three herbal combinations found that the gentian with rhubarb was most effective at improving symptoms, including loss of appetite and nausea. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Herbalists have previously used gentian to stimulate digestion. Gentian also reportedly stimulates the gallbladder and the liver. A study comparing three herbal combinations found that the gentian with rhubarb was most effective at improving symptoms, including loss of appetite and nausea. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Herbalists have previously used gentian to stimulate digestion. The bitter parts of gentian may stimulate the taste buds, causing an increase in saliva. A small study found that gentian increases salivation. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Herbalists have previously used gentian to stimulate digestion. The bitter parts of gentian may stimulate the taste buds, causing an increase in saliva. A small study found that gentian increases salivation. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
High-quality research on gentian dosing in humans is currently lacking.
Dried gentian root and stem, in a dosage of 0.6-2.0 grams, have been boiled in water have been used. Herbal experts suggest boiling one teaspoon of powdered root in two pints of water for 20 minutes.
As an extract, 2-10 grains (0.3-0.6 grams), 5-30 minims, or 5-30 drops (0.3-2.0 milliliters) have been used. Doses of 1-4 grams of gentian root have been taken as a digestive tonic daily, as the whole root or the powder.
As an alcoholic extract, gentian 20 minutes before each meal, for a total of 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (1.0-3.0 milliliters) daily, has been used.
To stimulate the saliva, 40 milliliters of a 2% tincture of gentian has been used daily or every other day for two weeks.
Secondary sources note that gentian capsules are generally not suggested, because they move quickly past taste buds and may not stimulate the taste buds.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Gentian may raise blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Gentian may interact with alcohol, antidepressants, antifungals, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (drugs used to treat depression).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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