The use of bitter principles—compounds that impart a bitter taste, often found in herbs such as gentian, dandelion, and artichoke—has a long history in traditional medicine systems for supporting the gall bladder and digestive system. Herbal traditions, especially those rooted in European, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have employed "bitters" to stimulate bile production and flow, which is believed to aid in fat digestion and gall bladder function. Historically, these herbs were included in digestive tonics and "aperitifs" to prepare the body for food by promoting the secretion of digestive juices.

Scientific studies on bitters have demonstrated that certain bitter compounds can stimulate saliva and gastric secretion via gustatory pathways and vagal stimulation. Some research supports increased bile secretion in response to bitter substances, which could theoretically benefit gall bladder function. However, direct clinical trials specifically validating the use of bitters for gall bladder health in humans are limited, and most evidence is extrapolated from animal models or physiological studies rather than large, controlled human trials. Thus, while the traditional rationale for using bitters in gall bladder support is strong and biologically plausible, robust scientific validation is modest.

In summary, the use of bitter principles for gall bladder support is primarily justified by traditional use, with some supporting physiological evidence but a lack of direct clinical trial data.