Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Gentian
Gentiana lutea
This monograph compiles 3 documented constituents, 2 pharmacological actions, 4 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Key Constituents
Amarogentin is one of the bitterest natural compounds known; these stimulate digestive secretions. Genus-level reviews identify these secoiridoids, together with xanthones and flavonoids, as the main bioactives and report gastrointestinal, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity.
Carbohydrate constituents of the root.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Aromatic bitter for temporary loss of appetite
more plants for loss of appetite →detailed sources →Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints - indigestion, bloating and fullness (stimulates gastric acid, enzyme and bile secretion)
more plants for bloating →detailed sources →Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints - indigestion, bloating and fullness (stimulates gastric acid, enzyme and bile secretion)
more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →Eases nausea linked to sluggish digestion (traditional)
more plants for nausea →detailed sources →Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Because bitters increase stomach-acid secretion, gentian is contraindicated in peptic (stomach or duodenal) ulcer disease and hyperacidity.
Traditional use only; appetite loss or dyspepsia that persists needs medical assessment, and use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
References
REF-1647, REF-1648, REF-0580, REF-1649, REF-1650, REF-1651, REF-1652, REF-1653, REF-1654, REF-1655References & Sources
- Ponticelli, M., Lela, L., Moles, M., Mangieri, C. and others (2022) 'The healing bitterness of Gentiana lutea L., phytochemistry and biological activities: A systematic review', Phytochemistry, 206, pp. 113518. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113518 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113518 - Kitic, N., Zivkovic, J., Savikin, K., Randjelovic, M. and others (2024) 'Spasmolytic Activity of Gentiana lutea L. Root Extracts on the Rat Ileum: Underlying Mechanisms of Action', Plants, 13(3), pp. 453. doi:10.3390/plants13030453 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030453 - Jiang, M., Cui, B.W., Wu, Y.L., Nan, J.X. and Lian, L.H (2020) 'Genus Gentiana: A review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and molecular mechanism', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2020. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113391 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113391 - Joksic, G., Filipovic Trickovic, J. and Joksic, I (2019) 'Potential of Gentiana lutea for the Treatment of Obesity-associated Diseases', Current Pharmaceutical Design, 25(18), pp. 2071-2076. doi:10.2174/1381612825666190708215743 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612825666190708215743 - Joksic, G., Radak, D., Sudar-Milovanovic, E., Obradovic, M. and others (2021) 'Effects of Gentiana lutea Root on Vascular Diseases', Current Vascular Pharmacology, 19(4), pp. 359-369. doi:10.2174/1570161118666200529111314 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570161118666200529111314 - Park, E., Lee, C.G., Kim, J., Yeo, S. and others (2020) 'Antiobesity Effects of Gentiana lutea Extract on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and a High-Fat Diet-Induced Mouse Model', Molecules, 25(10), pp. 2453. doi:10.3390/molecules25102453 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25102453 - Savic, A. and others (2022) 'Leaves of Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea) as an Alternative Source of Bitter Secoiridoid Glycosides', Journal of Natural Products, 85(9), pp. 2118-2126. doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00529 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00529 - Kesavan, R. and others (2016) 'Gentiana lutea exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects by preventing endothelial inflammation and smooth muscle cell migration', Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 26(4), pp. 293-301. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2015.12.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2015.12.016 - Akileshwari, C. and others (2012) 'Inhibition of aldose reductase by Gentiana lutea extracts', Experimental Diabetes Research, 2012, pp. 147965. doi:10.1155/2012/147965 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/147965 - Toriumi, Y., Kakuda, R., Kikuchi, M., Yaoita, Y. and Kikuchi, M (2003) 'New triterpenoids from Gentiana lutea', Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 51(1), pp. 89-91. doi:10.1248/cpb.51.89 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.51.89 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Gentiana lutea L., radix (Gentianae radix)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/gentianae-radix Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/gentianae-radix - Olennikov, D.N., Kashchenko, N.I., Chirikova, N.K. and Tankhaeva, L.M (2015) 'Iridoids and Flavonoids of Four Siberian Gentians: Chemical Profile and Gastric Stimulatory Effect', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules201019172 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules201019172 - Pan, Y., Zhao, Y.L., Zhang, J., Li, W.Y. and Wang, Y.Z (2016) 'Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Gentiana (Gentianaceae)', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 13(2), pp. 107--150. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201500333 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201500333
Generated June 22, 2026 from omniasana.bio