PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS YELLOW GENTIAN /837

and capsule shaped. The numerous seeds are flat, oblong or

round, with a membranous edge.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Yellow Gentian is a completely

glabrous perennial plant that grows to 140 cm high. The

rhizome has a number of heads, and the top of the rhizome

can attain the thickness of an arm. The main root is a taproot,

which grows up to 1 m long. The stem is round, unbranched,

hollow and grooved in the upper region to finger thickness.

The leaves are elliptical, bluish-green, have strongly curved

ribs and grow up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide.

Characteristics: The drug has a weak, sweetish odor. It

tastes metallic/sweet at first, then bitter.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the mountainous regions

of central and southern European, and cultivated in many

other regions.

Production: The roots are collected from spring through

October, cleaned and swiftly dried. Extended, slower drying

causes the roots to ferment. The roots become brittle through

drying, swollen and spongy through contact with moisture.

Not to be Confused With: The roots of Rumex alpinus or

Gentiana asclepiadea

Other Names: Bitter Root. Bitterwort, Gentian Root, Pale

Gentian

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Iridoide monoterpenes (bitter principles): amarogentin (de-

termines the value), gentiopricroside, swertiamarine,

sweroside

Monosaccharides/Oligosaccharides: saccharose, gentianose

(somewhat bitter), gentiobiose (bitter)

Pyrridine alkaloids

Xanthone derivatives (colored yellow): including gentisin,

gentisein, isogentisin, l,3J-«"imefhoxyxanthone

Volatile oil (traces)

EFFECTS

The essential active principles are the bitter substances

contained in the herb. These bring about a reflex stimulation

of the taste receptors, leading to increased secretion of saliva

and the digestive juices. Gentian root is therefore considered

to be not simply a pure bitter, but also a roborant and tonic.

There is also a possible cholagogic effect, although it is not

clear if the mode of action is sensory-reflexive. In addition, a

fungistatic effect has been proven for the gentian extract.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Dyspeptic complaints
  
  
  • Loss of appetite
    Unproven Uses: Folk medicine uses of the drug include as a
    tonic and in teas to stimulate bile secretion and alleviate loss
    of appetite, fullness and flatulence.
    Homeopathic Uses: Yellow Gentian is used in homeopathy
    for digestive disorders.
    CONTRAINDICATIONS
    The drug's stimulation of gastric juice secretion rules out its
    administration in the presence of stomach or duodenal ulcers.
    PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
    Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
    tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.
    DOSAGE
    Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug and dried
    extracts for infusions and teas. Forms of commercial
    pharmaceutical preparations include digestives, drops and
    coated tablets.
  
  
  
  

Preparation: Tea is prepared by pouring boiling water over

1/2 teaspoon of the drug (1 to 2 g) and allowing it to steep

for 5 to 10 minutes. The tea may be sweetened with honey to

alleviate the bitter taste. Decoctions are made using 1 g of

the drug to 1 cup boiled water.

Daily Dosage: The average single dose is 1 g of the drug;

daily dose is 2 to 4 g. The average daily dose of tincture is 1

to 4 ml 3 times daily. Liquid extract: 2 to 4 g; root: 2 to 4 g.

A one-cup dose of cold or lukewarm tea is taken several

times a day, including 1/2 hour before meals.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every

30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);

parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute, 3 times, daily: chronic: once

a day (HAB1)

Storage: The drug must be stored away from light sources.

LITERATURE

Chialva F et al., Z Lebensm Unters Forsch 182:212. 1986.

Hayashi T, Yamagishi T, PH 27:3696. 1988.

Schultze J, Dissertation T.U. Miinchen. 1980.

Wagner H, Miinzing-Vasirian K, DAZ 115:1233. 1975.

Further information in:

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Schulz R. Hansel R, Rationale Phytotherapie, Springer Verlag

Heidelberg 1996.