| Scientific: | Centaurium erythraea |
|---|---|
| Other: | Centaury |
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
European centaury or common centaury is a member of the Gentianaceae family. It contains essentially the same phytochemicals as its cousin yellow gentian and thus can be used interchangeably in practice as a digestive bitter. German Commission E approved centaury to loss of appetite & peptic discomfort. No published clinical trials could be found for this herb.
Related to gentian with identical indications.
Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestive complaints
• dyspepsia
• hypochlorhydria
• pancreatic insufficiency
• colic
• gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD)†
Hepatobiliary
• biliary insufficiency
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• jaundice
• biliary dyskinesia
• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Hepatic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Sialogogue
• Antimicrobial
• Antifungal
• Antiparasitic
• Antileishmanial
• Antiinflammatory
• Laxative (Mild)
• Emmenagogue
• Secoiridoid Glycosides (E.g. Amarogentin)
• Xanthones
• Alkaloids
• Infusion (dried root): 1 tsp/cup tid, ac
• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid, ac
Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation (uterine stimulant).
†Caution: Gastritis, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcers. May aggravate heartburn as bitters increase gastric secretions; however, may also benefit patients with GERD where LES tone is the cause, not hyperacidity. Discontinue use if if pain is burning in epigastric region.
Note: Concomitant ingestion of demulcent herbs can help prevent an aggravation.
Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.
Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.
Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.
Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. www.nhpassist.com © 2014 NDAssist Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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CentaurySummaryEuropean centaury or common centaury is a member of the Gentianaceae family. It contains essentially the same phytochemicals as its cousin yellow gentian and thus can be used interchangeably in practice as a digestive bitter. German Commission E approved centaury to loss of appetite & peptic discomfort. No published clinical trials could be found for this herb. IndicationsSign in requiredActionsSign in requiredConstituentsSign in requiredPosologySign in requiredSafetySign in requiredReferencesSign in required |
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