Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gentianella amarella, commonly known as autumn gentian or bitter gentian, has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for digestive complaints such as dyspepsia (indigestion). Its use is primarily based on the presence of bitter compounds (notably secoiridoid glycosides), which are thought to stimulate digestive secretions, increase appetite, and support overall digestive function. Traditionally, gentian species, including Gentianella amarella and Gentiana lutea, have been used as bitter tonics in herbal bitters and digestive formulations to alleviate symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and discomfort after eating. However, while the traditional use is well documented and bitter herbs in general are recognized in pharmacopeias for their digestive benefits, there is limited direct scientific research specifically on Gentianella amarella. Most modern scientific studies focus on closely related species such as Gentiana lutea. The underlying mechanism—bitter-induced reflex increase in saliva and gastric juice production—has some physiological plausibility, and studies on gentian extracts suggest increased gastric secretions and improved digestion in animal models and some human trials. Despite this, direct clinical evidence for Gentianella amarella’s efficacy in treating dyspepsia is lacking. In summary, the use of Gentianella amarella for dyspepsia is justified by tradition and historical precedent rather than robust scientific validation, with an evidence rating of 2 out of 5 based on extrapolation from related species and general knowledge about bitter herbs.

More about Gentianella amarella
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 Gentianella amarella

Acid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gastritis
Indigestion

Products containing Gentianella amarella

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