Gentiana lutea (Gentium) Flashcards
How do you recognise Gentian?
Grows wild in mountainous regions – in Europe and in the Himalayas. Has been overharvested in the wild and some populations are threatened
What are Gentian’s main constituents?
Constituents:
* Iridoid glycosides (secoiridoids)(bitters) – amarogentin, gentiopicrin, gentiopicroside.
* Flavonoids – gentisin, isogentisin.
* Phenolic acids.
* Alkaloids – gentiamine, gentialutine.
Amarogentin is possibly the most bitter substance.
Secoiridoids are both hepatoprotective & protective of gastric mucosa.
Gentiopicroside is anti-inflammatory and pain killing.
Isogentisin has been found to protect endothelial cells from the negative effects of inhaled tobacco smoke.”
What family is Gentian in?
Gentiana lutea L. Family: Gentianaceae
What is Gentian good for?
Summary: THE bitter plant, used for bitters and stimulating the liver and digestive system and increasing appetite.
Actions:
* Bitter – seen as being an archetypical bitter plant.
* Digestive stimulant.
* Choleretic & cholagogue.
* Anti-emetic
* Protective of gastric mucosa & hepatoprotective.
* Possibly increases tone of cardiac sphincter
Applications:
* Anorexia.
* Slow/weak digestion.
* * Liver congestion - hepatitis & jaundice.
* Food intolerances; can help to reduce sugat intake if taken before food as everything tastes sweeter after tasting Gentian!
* With careful application can be useful for Dyspepsia & GORD.
* Fever management.
* ‘Clarity’ - cleanring brain fog. Also headaches including migraine.
* Inflammatory illnesses.
* Allergy.
* “Clears damp heat”.
* Possibly of use in diabetes.
* In convalescence from illness.
What parts of Gentian do you use?
Part used: root – large roots can be >20 years old.
What safety issues might Gentian have?
Safety:
* Although generally a safe herb, its use may exacerbate gastric and duodenal ulceration.
* Wild gentian species in tend not to be used medicinally, although Centaury is in the same family
What useful research does Gentian have?
