Gentian: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Gentiana lutea
Family or group:
Plants
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The significant bitter taste of gentian provides a theoretical basis for its use in dyspepsia and flatulence, where an increase in saliva and gastric acid secretion would be beneficial. The Commission E and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) approve its use for this indication. In an open study, 205 patients with various dyspeptic symptoms (heartburn, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, flatulence) were treated with a dry hydro-ethanolic extract (5:1) of gentian root at a dose of 240 mg two or three times per day (average daily dose of 576 mg of extract, equivalent to 2.9 g of dried root) for about 15 days. Symptom improvement was evident after 5 days in most cases and, by the end of the study, the average level of improvement was 68%. The efficacy of the preparation was evaluated by the physicians as excellent (elimination of symptoms) in 31% of patients, good in 55%, moderate in 9%, and insufficient in 5% of cases.
Posologie
Oral: root
576 mg
Stimulate appetite ✪✪✪✪✪
The bitter taste of gentian provides a theoretical basis for its use in anorexia, as increased salivary and gastric acid secretions would be beneficial. The Commission E and the ESCOP approve its use for this indication. A small human study confirmed that oral administration of a gentian root extract increases the secretion of gastric juice and gallbladder emptying. This was also confirmed by the report of the European Medicines Agency, which states that bitters stimulate taste nerves in the mouth, leading to an increase in gastric and bile secretion.
Posologie
Oral: root
576 mg
Gastroesophageal reflux ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditional use related to its stimulating properties on digestive secretions and gastric motility.
Posologie
Oral: root
576 mg
Digestive spasms ✪✪✪✪✪
Gentiopicroside, a component of gentian, has the capacity to reduce intestinal contractions (specifically of the ileum, a part of the intestine) in an animal model. It works by blocking calcium entry into the smooth muscle cells of the intestine, similar to the action of certain drugs that reduce intestinal contractions by limiting calcium activity. Gentian is indicated for spasmodic colitis related to the properties just described. However, no clinical studies confirm this use.
Posologie
Oral: root
576 mg
Properties
Digestive effect
The bitter taste of the gentian root is due to the monoterpene secoiridoid compounds that compose it. A small human study confirmed that oral administration of a gentian root extract increases the secretion of gastric juice and gallbladder emptying. This was also confirmed by the report of the European Medicines Agency, which states that bitters stimulate taste nerves in the mouth, leading to an increase in gastric and bile secretion.
Usages associés
Analgesic
In an animal study, it was discovered that gentiopicroside, a compound of gentian, helps reduce pain. It acts by decreasing the activity of a specific part of the brain called the anterior cingulate cortex, which plays a significant role in how we feel and manage pain. In this study, gentiopicroside (50-200 mg/kg) led to a significant dose-proportional reduction of persistent inflammatory painful stimuli by modulating glutamatergic synaptic transmission in response to peripheral injury.
Cholagogue
Bitter principles induce reflex excitation of taste receptors and increased secretion of saliva, gastric juice, and bile, thus stimulating appetite and digestion according to in vivo experiments.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 16 years: 480 mg - 720 mg (dry extract)
- Powder: 2 to 4 g per day - Dry Extract: 2 to 3 times 1 capsule corresponding to 1.2 g of substance - Tincture (1:5): 3 times 20 drops per day, a total of 3 ml for the daily dose - Dry extract: 480-720 mg
Interactions
Médicaments
Antihypertensive: weak interaction
Theoretically, simultaneous use with these drugs could increase the risk of hypotension.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Available information is insufficient to make a recommendation.
Gastric ulcer: avoid
The use of this plant is not recommended for people with active gastric or duodenal ulcers: hyperscretion of chlorine and enzymes.
Contraindications
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
Gentian is contraindicated for breastfeeding women due to the passage of bitter principles into the milk.
