Bitter principles, often derived from herbs such as gentian, dandelion, and artichoke, have a long history of traditional use to support digestion and, by extension, pancreatic health. In various traditional medicine systems—particularly European herbalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine—bitter herbs are believed to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, including bile and pancreatic enzymes, through a reflex action initiated by taste receptors. This is thought to promote more efficient breakdown of nutrients and support the overall function of the digestive tract, including the pancreas.

However, direct scientific validation specifically linking bitter principles to improved pancreatic function in humans is limited. Most modern research has focused on the effects of bitters on gastric and bile secretions or appetite stimulation, rather than specific pancreatic outcomes. Some small studies and animal models suggest that bitters may enhance secretion of digestive enzymes, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, while the use of bitter principles for pancreatic support is rooted in tradition and plausible physiological mechanisms, solid scientific evidence confirming their efficacy for this purpose is currently insufficient.

In summary, the use of bitter principles to support the pancreas is primarily justified by traditional use and theoretical mechanisms rather than strong scientific validation.