Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics

lactone,etc.),xanthones(decussatin,eustomin,
desmethyleustomin, methylbellidifolin, etc.),
sterols(sitosterol,campesterol,etc.),fattyacids
(palmitic and stearic acids, etc.), n-alkanes
(nonacosaneandheptacosane,etc.),wax,amino
acids, and others (WICHTL).1–13

PHARMACOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
ACTIVITIES

Aninfusionofthedried floweringtopsshowed
in vitro hydroxyl radical and hypochlorus
acid scavenging activity.^14 Orally adminis-
tered, a filtered water suspension of the dried
herbshowedanti-inflammatoryactivityinarat
model of polyarthritis and when topically ap-
plied in a cream (2.5–10%) in the air-pouch
granuloma bioassay. Antipyretic activity was
found in rats from oral administration of the
suspension against 2,4-dinitrophenol- and
amphetamine-induced hyperthermia.^15 Anti-
pyretic activity of the herb is reported to be
due to phenolic acids.^16 Hepatoprotective ac-
tivity against acetaminophen-induced toxicity
was shown from oral administration of a meth-
anol extract of the leaves.^17
Gentiopicrin is reported to have antimalar-
ial properties (MERCK).

USES

Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic.
Used in some bitter tonic preparations in

Europe to increase gastric secretions for

dyspeptic discomfort and loss of appetite

(BLUMENTHAL1;WICHTL). Also reportedly used

in some cosmetic and toiletry preparations

for its alleged soothing and astringent

properties.^18

Food. Used in bitters and vermouth formu-

lations; average maximum use level reported

is very low, about 0.0002% (2.29 ppm). Also

reportedly used in nonalcoholic beverages at

an average maximum use level of 0.0008%.

Traditional Medicine. Used since ancient

times in Egypt to treat hypertension and to

eliminate kidney stones, and in Europe as a

tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, and sedative.

Used in lotions to remove freckles, spots,

and other skin blemishes and in treating

cancers.^19

COMMERCIAL PREPARATIONS

Mainly the crude herb.

Regulatory Status. Regulated in the United

States as a dietary supplement. Approved for

use as a natural flavoring in alcoholic bev-

erages only (§172.510). Herb subject of a

German therapeutic monograph (in daily dose

of 1–2 g); use not recommended since effec-

tiveness is not verified (BLUMENTHAL1).

REFERENCES

See the General References forBARNES;BIANCHINI AND CORBETTA;BISSET;BLUMENTHAL1;DER MARDEROSIAN
AND BEUTLER;FEMA;LIST AND HO ̈RHAMMER;LUST;MCGUFFIN1&2;STAHL;TUTIN ET AL.3;UPHOF.

1. K. Sakina and K. Aota,Yakugaku Zasshi,
   96 , 683 (1976).


2. S. S. Popov et al.,Dokl. Bulg. Akad.
   Nauk, 25 , 1225 (1972).


3. D. W. Bishay et al.,Planta Med., 33 , 422
   (1978).


4. F. Rulko and K. Witkiewicz,Diss. Pharm.
   Pharmacol., 24 , 73 (1972).
   5. F. Rulko, Pr. Nauk. Akad. Med.
   Wroclawiu, 8 , 3 (1976).
   6. M. Hatjimanoli and A. M. Debelmas,
   Ann. Pharm. Fr., 35 , 107 (1977).
   7. V. Bellavita et al.,Phytochemistry, 13 ,
   289 (1974).
   8. J. H. Zwaving,Pharm. Weekbl., 101 , 605
   (1966).

168 Centaury