Evidence supporting the use of: Swertia
For the body system: Gall Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Swertia, specifically Swertia chirayita, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been utilized as a "bitter tonic," believed to stimulate digestive secretions, including bile, and thereby support the function of the liver and gall bladder. Texts and herbal manuals from these traditions suggest that Swertia helps with "bile flow" and can be used for conditions thought to be related to sluggish or impaired gall bladder activity, such as indigestion and "biliary disorders."
Despite this traditional use, scientific evidence supporting Swertia's role in specifically supporting the gall bladder is limited. Some animal studies have demonstrated hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and choleretic (bile flow increasing) effects, but these studies are not robust and often do not distinguish between liver and gall bladder effects. There are no high-quality human clinical trials directly evaluating Swertia for gall bladder health or function. However, its traditional use persists, particularly in polyherbal formulations targeting digestive health.
In summary, Swertia's use for gall bladder support is primarily justified by traditional evidence, with only weak or indirect scientific support. Anyone considering Swertia for this purpose should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner, as clinical data are lacking.
Other ingredients that support Gall Bladder
artichokebarberry
berberine
bile acid
bile salt
bitter principals
black root
blessed thistle
boldo
borotutu
bovine
buckthorn
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butter
cascara sagrada
celandine
Centaurium erythraea
chanca piedra
chickweed
chicory
cholic acid
culvers Root
cynarin
dandelion
dehydrocholic acid
dioscorea
endive
enzyme blend
fennel
fringetree
Fumaria parviflora
fumitory
gentian
gentian root
Gentianella alborosea
Gentianella amarella
ginger
Glycochenodeoxycholic acid
Glycocholic acid
goldenseal
guggul
Guggulsterones
herbal blend (proprietary)
hydrangea
Indian sarsparilla
kale
Large-leaf gentian
lecithin
lemon
lipase
Lycopodium
Milk thistle
Monounsaturated fat
olive
oregon grape
ox bile
Peppermint
picrorhiza kurroa
Picroside
radish
rosemary
Scabrous Gentian
Swertia
Taraxacin
Taurochenodeoxycholic acid
Taurocholic acid
Taurodeoxycholic acid
Thistle
turmeric
Wahoo
Wild yam
Yellow root
Yin Chen
Other body systems supported by Swertia
BloodDigestive System
Gall Bladder
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Kidneys
Liver
Pancreas Head
Skin
Spleen
Stomach
Urinary System
