Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Centaurium erythraea, commonly known as common centaury, is traditionally used to support or treat dyspepsia (indigestion). Its use is well documented in European herbal medicine, dating back centuries. The herb is classified as a "bitter tonic," and its application for digestive complaints is rooted in the belief that bitter substances can stimulate appetite, gastric secretions, and overall digestive function. Centaurium erythraea contains bitter iridoids, mainly swertiamarin and gentiopicroside, which are thought to be responsible for these effects.

While the traditional use is strong, modern clinical trials specifically validating its effectiveness in treating dyspepsia are limited. Most evidence consists of in vitro studies, animal studies (demonstrating increased gastric secretions and motility), and extrapolation from its use in traditional medicine. Some pharmacological studies suggest that the bitter principles in Centaurium erythraea can stimulate gustatory nerves, leading to reflexive enhancement of digestive secretions. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes Centaurium erythraea as a "traditional herbal medicinal product" for the relief of mild dyspeptic disorders, based primarily on longstanding use rather than robust clinical trials.

In summary, Centaurium erythraea's use for dyspepsia is justified by tradition with some pharmacological rationale. However, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking, so the evidence rating is moderate.

More about Centaurium erythraea
More about Dyspepsia

Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia

cutch
allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
black pepper
blackberry
rice
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
Indian tinospora
licorice root
marshmallow
mustard seed
oregon grape
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
fern
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Black Seed
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Belleric myrobalan
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Banyan
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bitter principals
Black root
banana
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Centaury
Cinnamomum
Combretum quadrangulare
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Curcumen
Catechu
Campylandra fimbriata
Colombo
Corktree
Curcuma
Chirata
Costus
Colocynth
Celosia
Dianthrone
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Snakeroot (unspecified)

Other health conditions supported by Centaurium erythraea

Acid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Indigestion
Liver Detoxification
Ulcers

Products containing Centaurium erythraea

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.