Plant Comparison

Centaury vs Dandelion

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ACentauryCentaurium erythraeaGentianaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BDandelionTaraxacum officinaleAsteraceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Centaury and Dandelion: they share 8 indicated uses (loss of appetite, arthritis / joint pain, bloating, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.

CentauryDandelion
Constituents34
Pharmacological actions516
Indicated uses917
Safety notes25
Cited sources1456
Indicated uses
Only Centaury
Acid reflux
Shared (8)
Loss of appetiteArthritis / joint painBloatingDetox / cleansingIndigestionInflammation (general)Liver supportSkin irritation
Only Dandelion
Cancer (anticancer research)ConstipationInfection (general)Swelling / fluid retentionUrinary supportUrinary tract infection (UTI)WoundsCardiovascular / heart healthImmune support
Pharmacological actions
Only Centaury
Gastroprotective
Shared (4)
Anti-inflammatoryBitter digestive tonic / stomachicDigestive aidHepatoprotective (liver support)
Only Dandelion
Anticancer (preclinical)AntimicrobialAntioxidantCholeretic / cholagogue (bile flow)DiureticLaxativePrebioticLipid-loweringAntiviralImmunomodulator / immune supportNeuroprotective / cognition supportAntihypertensive

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionCentauryDandelionVerdict
Loss of appetite1/101/10Comparable evidence
Arthritis / joint pain1/101/10Comparable evidence
Bloating1/101/10Comparable evidence
Detox / cleansing1/101/10Comparable evidence
Indigestion1/101/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)1/101/10Comparable evidence
Liver support1/101/10Comparable evidence
Skin irritation1/101/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Secoiridoid bitter glycosides (gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, sweroside, centapicrin)[12, 13]

The intensely bitter principles that stimulate digestive secretions.

Glycosides
Xanthones and flavonoids[12, 13]

Additional constituents of the herb.

Flavonoids
Phenolic acids[12]

Antioxidant constituents.

Phenolic acids
Sesquiterpene lactones[20, 50, 51]

Bitter principles (e.g. taraxacin) responsible for the characteristic bitterness and bitter-tonic action.

Sesquiterpene lactonesSesquiterpenes
Triterpenes and plant sterols[50, 52]

Including taraxasterol; contribute to anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective signals.

Terpenes / terpenoidsPhytosterols
Phenolic acids and flavonoids[17, 21, 22, 52, 53]

Antioxidant constituents (e.g. chicoric acid, luteolin derivatives).

Phenolic acidsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Inulin[50, 53]

Fructan storage carbohydrate; prebiotic fibre concentrated in the autumn root.

PolysaccharidesInulin

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[4, 12, 13]

Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Bitter digestive tonic / stomachic[4, 9, 12, 13]

Aromatic bitter tonic for temporary loss of appetite

Digestive aid[1, 4, 5, 12, 13]

Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Gastroprotective[1, 4, 12, 13]

Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Hepatoprotective (liver support)[4, 12, 13]

Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Anti-inflammatory[14, 15, 16, 22, 25, 26, 30, 43, 44, 50, 52]
Parts: Whole plant
Anticancer (preclinical)[18, 23, 27, 28, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
Antimicrobial[32, 52]
Parts: Whole plant
Antioxidant[16, 21, 23, 28, 31, 52, 53]
Parts: Whole plant
Bitter digestive tonic / stomachic[50, 54]
Parts: Leaf
Choleretic / cholagogue (bile flow)[50, 51]

Choleretic (stimulates bile flow)

Parts: Leaf, Root
Digestive aid[50, 54]
Parts: Leaf
Diuretic[47, 50, 51, 55]

Diuretic (potassium-sparing)

Parts: Leaf
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[15, 25, 29, 42, 50, 51, 53]

Hepatic (liver) support

Parts: Root
Laxative[50, 54]
Parts: Root
Prebiotic[50, 53]

Prebiotic (inulin-rich, especially autumn root)

Parts: Root
Lipid-lowering[31, 34]
Antiviral[42]
Immunomodulator / immune support[43, 45]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[44]
Antihypertensive[46]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Acid reflux[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Acid reflux
Loss of appetite[12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

Aromatic bitter tonic for temporary loss of appetite

Evidence: 1
Label: Loss of appetite
Arthritis / joint pain[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bloating[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Evidence: 1
Label: Bloating
Detox / cleansing[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from hepatoprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Detox / cleansing
Indigestion[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Inflammation (general)[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Liver support[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from hepatoprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Liver support
Skin irritation[4, 12, 13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Loss of appetite[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from bitter-tonic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Loss of appetite
Arthritis / joint pain[50, 52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bloating[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bloating
Cancer (anticancer research)[18, 23, 27, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Constipation[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from laxative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Constipation
Detox / cleansing[50, 51, 53]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from hepatoprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Detox / cleansing
Indigestion[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from bitter-tonic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[50, 52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Liver support[50, 51]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from choleretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Liver support
Skin irritation[50, 52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Swelling / fluid retention[50, 51, 55]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Urinary support[50, 51, 55]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Urinary support
Urinary tract infection (UTI)[50, 51, 55]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Wounds[52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds
Cardiovascular / heart health[31, 46]Traditional · 2/10

Dandelion root and leaf lowered serum lipids and oxidative stress (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Immune support[43, 45]Traditional · 2/10

Taraxasterol modulated the inflammatory/immune response in endotoxic shock (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[12]Caution

Because bitters increase stomach-acid secretion, centaury is contraindicated in peptic (stomach or duodenal) ulcer disease and hyperacidity.

Safety note[12]Caution

Traditional use only; appetite loss or dyspepsia that persists needs medical assessment. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Safety note[54, 56]Info

Allergy risk in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants such as ragweed and chamomile.

Safety note[54]Caution

Avoid medicinal use in anyone with a blocked bile duct or gallstones; use caution with gallbladder or serious liver disease.

Safety note[54, 56]Caution

May potentiate prescription diuretics; possible interactions with lithium and drugs metabolised by the liver.

Safety note[51, 54]Info

Can accumulate soil pollutants and heavy metals; harvest from clean, unpolluted sites.

Safety note[54]Caution

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be guided by a qualified practitioner. Herbal use should support, not replace, conventional medical care.

External Ids

Gbif: 5414457
Wikidata: Q156870
Gbif: 5394163
Wikidata: Q131219

Botanical Description

Slender annual or biennial herb with a basal rosette of oval leaves and an erect, wiry, four-angled flowering stem branching near the top. Small, star-shaped, pink flowers with five pointed petals open only in sunshine, borne in dense, flat-topped clusters at the stem tips.[12]

Height: 10-40 cm
Habit: Slender, erect annual to biennial herb
Leaves: Basal rosette of oval leaves; stem leaves smaller, opposite
Flowers: Small, star-shaped, pink, five-petalled, opening only in sunshine, in flat-topped clusters
Stem: Erect, wiry, four-angled, branching near the top
Root: Slender taproot
Fruit: Small, narrow capsule
Flowering Period: June-September

Perennial herb (Asteraceae) with a deep taproot, forming a basal rosette of deeply toothed, lance-shaped leaves - the name 'dandelion' comes from the French 'dent-de-lion', lion's tooth. Hollow flowering stalks each bear a single, bright yellow composite flower head made entirely of ray florets, followed by the familiar spherical 'clock' of parachute-tufted seeds (achenes) that disperse on the wind.[50]

Height: Low rosette; flowering stalks 5-40 cm
Habit: Deep-taprooted perennial rosette herb
Leaves: Deeply toothed, lance-shaped, in a basal rosette
Flowers: Single, bright yellow composite head of ray florets, on a hollow stalk
Stem: Hollow flowering stalk (scape), leafless
Root: Deep taproot
Fruit: Small achenes with a parachute-like pappus (the "clock")
Flowering Period: Can flower almost year-round, peaking March-October

Habitat

Grows in dry grassland, chalk downland, dunes and open woodland on well-drained, often calcareous soils; native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.[12]

Native to Europe and Asia, now a cosmopolitan weed found on every continent except Antarctica; grows in lawns, meadows, roadsides, waste ground and disturbed soil of almost any type.[50]

Harvesting

The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower, when the intensely bitter secoiridoid content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[12]

Parts: Aerial parts (flowering herb)
Season: Summer flowering period

Leaves are picked young in spring for the mildest flavour; the root is dug in autumn (traditionally after the first frost), when its inulin and bitter-principle content is considered optimal; flowers are picked as they open.[50, 53]

Parts: Leaf, Root, Flower
Season: Leaf in spring; root in autumn; flower as it opens

Traditional Uses

Centaury is one of the classic European bitter digestive herbs, traditionally used for temporary loss of appetite and mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating, stimulating gastric and bile secretion.[12]

Dandelion is one of the most widely used bitter tonic herbs worldwide, traditionally taken as a digestive bitter and mild diuretic - the French name 'pissenlit' (wet-the-bed) reflects this - and the root specifically as a liver and gallbladder tonic. Every part is also used as food: spring greens, roasted-root coffee substitute, and flower wine.[50]

Preparations

Cold infusion (maceration)[12]

Dried herb macerated in cold water for several hours, which extracts the bitter principles while minimising extraction of harsher tannins; a traditional preparation method for bitters.

Infusion[12]

Dried herb infused briefly in hot water and taken shortly before meals as a bitter digestive tonic.

Tincture[14]

Tincture of the dried herb; the EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-5 g up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Leaf infusion/salad (fresh or dried)[50]

Fresh young leaves eaten as a bitter salad green, or dried leaf infused as tea - the traditional digestive/diuretic preparation.

Root decoction[50]

Dried root simmered in water - the traditional liver-tonic preparation.

Dosage

Infusion[12, 14]

The EU herbal monograph gives 1-4 g of the comminuted herb in 200 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily, in adults and elderly; a powdered herbal substance at 0.25-2 g up to 3 times daily, liquid extract 2-4 mL up to 3 times daily, and tincture 1.5-5 g up to 3 times daily are also listed. Not recommended under 18 years, and contraindicated in peptic ulcer. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Leaf/root infusion or decoction[50, 54]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 4-10 g dried leaf, or 2-8 g dried root, per day as an infusion or decoction, divided into 2-3 doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid in bile-duct obstruction or gallstones, and harvest away from polluted ground.

References

REF-0767, REF-0768, REF-0769, REF-0619, REF-1988, REF-1989, REF-1990, REF-1991, REF-1992, REF-1993, REF-1994
REF-0248, REF-0320, REF-0322, REF-0323, REF-0324, REF-0325, REF-0327, REF-0330, REF-0331, REF-0334, REF-0335, REF-0336, REF-0337, REF-2387, REF-2388, REF-2389, REF-2390, REF-2391, REF-2392, REF-2393, REF-2394, REF-2395, REF-2396, REF-2945, REF-2946, REF-2947, REF-2948, REF-2949, REF-2950, REF-2951, REF-2952, REF-2953, REF-2954, REF-2955, REF-2956, REF-2957, REF-2958, REF-2959, REF-2960, REF-2961, REF-2962, REF-2963, REF-2964, REF-2965, REF-2966, REF-2967, REF-2968, REF-0070, REF-0264

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

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  2. Chabane, S., Boudjelal, A., Bouaziz-Terrachet, S., Spinozzi, E. et al (2023) 'Analgesic effect of Centaurium erythraea and molecular docking investigation of the major component swertiamarin', Natural Product Research, 38(24), pp. 4511-4517. doi:10.1080/14786419.2023.2278160 Preclinical
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  3. Akşit, H., Gözcü, S. and Altay, A (2022) 'Isolation and cytotoxic activities of undescribed iridoid and xanthone glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)', Phytochemistry, 205, pp. 113484. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113484 Preclinical
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  8. Chda, A., El Kabbaoui, M., Fresco, P., Silva, D., Goncalves, J., Oliveira, A.P., Andrade, P.B., Valentao, P., Tazi, A., El Abida, K. and Bencheikh, R (2019) 'Centaurium Erythraea Extracts Exert Vascular Effects through Endothelium- and Fibroblast-dependent Pathways', Planta Medica, 86(2), pp. 121-131. doi:10.1055/a-1023-8918 Preclinical
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  9. Kumarasamy, Y., Nahar, L., Cox, P.J., Jaspars, M. and Sarker, S.D (2003) 'Bioactivity of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea', Phytomedicine, 10(4), pp. 344-347. doi:10.1078/094471103322004857 Preclinical
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  10. Kachmar, M.R., Oliveira, A.P., Valentao, P., Gil-Izquierdo, A., Dominguez-Perles, R., Ouahbi, A., Badaoui, K.E., Andrade, P.B. and Ferreres, F (2018) 'HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS phenolic profile and in vitro biological potential of Centaurium erythraea Rafn aqueous extract', Food Chemistry, 278, pp. 424-433. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.11.082 Preclinical
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  11. Mandova, T., Audo, G., Michel, S. and Grougnet, R (2017) 'Off-line coupling of new generation centrifugal partition chromatography device with preparative high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry triggering fraction collection applied to the recovery of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)', Journal of Chromatography A, 1513, pp. 149-156. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.023 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.023
  12. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'Assessment report on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herba (Centaurii herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf
  13. Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Centaury (Centaurium erythraea): Benefits, Safety, Uses'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/centaury/ Traditional / reference
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  14. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herba (Centaurii herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.