Summary

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.

Indications

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

Actions

• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Hepatic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Sialogogue
• Antimicrobial
• Antifungal
• Antiparasitic
• Antileishmanial
• Antiinflammatory
• Laxative (Mild)
• Emmenagogue

Constituents

• Secoiridoid Glycosides (E.g. Amarogentin)
• Xanthones
• Alkaloids

Posology

• Infusion (dried root): 1 tsp/cup tid, ac
• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid, ac

Safety

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.

References

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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