GENTIAN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a plant that grows in the mountains in Europe. It's often known as bitter wort or bitter root. Its roots are used as medicine.

Gentian contains chemicals that might reduce blood pressure by widening blood vessels. It might also have effects that reduce appetite.

People use gentian for diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse gentian with Canadian hemp, which is also called bitter root. These are not the same. Also note that the highly toxic white hellebore (Veratrum album) can be misidentified as gentian. It has caused accidental poisoning when used in homemade preparations.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for GENTIAN overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Gentian root preparations are commonly consumed in foods. Gentian root is possibly safe when used in a specific combination product containing gentian root, elderflower, verbana, cowslip flower, and sorrel (SinuComp, Sinupret). It seems to be well-tolerated. Side effects might include skin reactions and stomach upset. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if gentian is safe or what the side effects might be when taken as medicine alone.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough information to know if gentian is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gentian is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Gentian might affect blood pressure, which might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using gentian at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with GENTIAN
Gentian might lower blood pressure. Taking gentian along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of gentian might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Chen, L., Liu, J. C., Zhang, X. N., Guo, Y. Y., Xu, Z. H., Cao, W., Sun, X. L., Sun, W. J., and Zhao, M. G. Down-regulation of NR2B receptors partially contributes to analgesic effects of Gentiopicroside in persistent inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2008;54(8):1175-1181. View abstract.

Citova, I., Ganzera, M., Stuppner, H., and Solich, P. Determination of gentisin, isogentisin, and amarogentin in Gentiana lutea L. by capillary electrophoresis. J Sep.Sci 2008;31(1):195-200. View abstract.

Ozturk, N., Baser, K. H., Aydin, S., Ozturk, Y., and Calis, I. Effects of Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra on the central nervous system in mice. Phytother Res 2002;16(7):627-631. View abstract.

Schmieder, A., Schwaiger, S., Csordas, A., Backovic, A., Messner, B., Wick, G., Stuppner, H., and Bernhard, D. Isogentisin--a novel compound for the prevention of smoking-caused endothelial injury. Atherosclerosis 2007;194(2):317-325. View abstract.

Suzuki, O., Katsumata, Y., and Oya, M. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by isogentisin and its 3-O-glucoside. Biochem Pharmacol 1978;27(16):2075-2078. View abstract.

Wang, C. H., Cheng, X. M., Bligh, S. W., White, K. N., Branford-White, C. J., and Wang, Z. T. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of gentiopicroside from decoctions of Gentianae and Longdan Xiegan Tang after oral administration in rats--comparison with gentiopicroside alone. J Pharm Biomed.Anal 9-3-2007;44(5):1113-1117. View abstract.

Wang, C. H., Wang, Z. T., Bligh, S. W., White, K. N., and White, C. J. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of gentiopicroside following oral and intravenous administration in mice. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2004;29(3):199-203. View abstract.

Akileshwari C, Muthenna P, Nastasijevic B, et al. Inhibition of aldose reductase by Gentiana lutea extracts. Exp Diabetes Res. 2012;2012:147965. View abstract.

Baragatti B, Calderone V, Testai L, et al. Vasodilator activity of crude methanolic extract of Gentiana kokiana Perr. et Song. (Gentianaceae). J Ethnopharmacol 2002;79:369-72. View abstract.

Berman J, Sheng Y, Gómez Gómez L, et al. Red Anthocyanins and Yellow Carotenoids Form the Color of Orange-Flower Gentian (Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca). PLoS One. 2016;11(9):e0162410. View abstract.

Chericoni S, Testai L, Calderone V, et al. The xanthones gentiacaulein and gentiakochianin are responsible for the vasodilator action of the roots of Gentiana kochiana. Planta Med 2003;69:770-2. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Haraguchi H, Tanaka Y, Kabbash A, et al. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors from Gentiana lutea. Phytochemistry 2004;65:2255-60. View abstract.

Kesavan R, Chandel S, Upadhyay S, et al. Gentiana lutea exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects by preventing endothelial inflammation and smooth muscle cell migration. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2016;26(4):293-301. View abstract.

Kesavan R, Potunuru UR, Nastasijevic B, et al. Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by Gentiana lutea root extracts. PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e61393. View abstract.

Marz RW, Ismail C, Popp MA. Action profile and efficacy of a herbal combination preparation for the treatment of sinusitis. Wien Med Wochenschr 1999;149:202-8. View abstract.

Mennella I, Fogliano V, Ferracane R, Arlorio M, Pattarino F, Vitaglione P. Microencapsulated bitter compounds (from Gentiana lutea) reduce daily energy intakes in humans. Br J Nutr. 2016:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516003858 View abstract.

Neubauer N, Marz RW. Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, clincal trial with Sinupret sugar coated tablets on the basis of a therapy with antibiotics and decongestant nasal drops in acute sinusitis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:177-81.

Peric A, Kovacevic SV, Gacesa D, Peric AV. Efficacy and safety of combined treatment of acute rhinosinusitis by herbal medicinal product Sinupret and mometasone furoate nasal spray. ENT Updates 2017;7(2):68-74.

Sanatani M, Younus J, Stitt L, et al. Tolerability of the combination of ginger (Zingiber officinalis), gentian (Gentiana lutea) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) in patients with cancer-associated anorexia. J Complement Integr Med. 2015;12(1):57-60. View abstract.

Tomic M, Tovilovic G, Butorovic B, et al. Neuropharmacological evaluation of diethylether extract and xanthones of Gentiana kochiana. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2005;81:535-42. View abstract.

Toriumi Y, Kakuda R, Kikuchi M, et al. New triterpenoids from Gentiana lutea. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2003;51:89-91. View abstract.

Uncini Manganelli RE, Chericoni S, Baragatti B. Ethnopharmacobotany in Tuscany: plants used as antihypertensives. Fitoterapia 2000;71:S95-100. View abstract.

Zagler B, Zelger A, Salvatore C, et al. Dietary poisoning with Veratrum album--a report of two cases. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2005;117:106-8. View abstract.

Amin, A. Ketoconazole-induced testicular damage in rats reduced by Gentiana extract. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2008;59(6):377-384. View abstract.

Borgia, M., Sepe, N., Borgia, R., and Ori-Bellometti, M. Pharmacological activity of a herb extract: a controlled clinical study. Current Therapeutic Research 1981;29:525-536.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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GENTIAN - Uses, Side Effects, and More