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Overview: Gentian is a plant called Gentiana lutea. The root and rootstalk of the plant are dried and used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, and bitter drinks. Gentian has a very bitter taste. People often take it for digestive problems, such as poor appetite, upset stomach, and bloating. However, these benefits are not well defined. Gentian seems to be well tolerated, but information on its common side effects is limited. Before taking gentian, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is gentian used for?

Gentian (Gentiana lutea) has a long history of traditional use in Europe, mostly as a bitter tonic for the stomach and digestion. However, evidence in humans is limited and these benefits are not well defined. Gentian is commonly used for the following reasons.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed gentian for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does gentian work (mechanism of action)?

Gentian comes from a flowering plant called Gentiana lutea, also known as yellow gentian or bitterwort. It grows in the mountainous regions of Europe. The root and rootstalk (rhizome) are the parts used to make supplements. Products can be dried root, teas, liquid extracts (tinctures), capsules, and bitter drinks.

Gentian root naturally contains very bitter chemicals. The main ones are called secoiridoids, such as gentiopicroside, amarogentin, swertiamarin, and sweroside. Amarogentin is one of the most bitter known natural substances. The root also contains other chemicals, such as xanthones (including isogentisin) and flavonoids.

Researchers think the bitter taste of these chemicals may trigger the body to make more saliva and stomach juices. This is the traditional idea behind using gentian for poor appetite and digestion. In laboratory research, chemicals in gentian and related plants also show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In one laboratory study using animal tissue, a gentian root extract lowered signs of inflammation in the gut.

However, the benefits of gentian are not well defined. Most of the research is from laboratory and animal studies. Evidence in humans is limited. 

Herbal products, such as gentian, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific gentian product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store gentian?

You should store gentian according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of gentian?

There is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Headache has been reported in some people. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of gentian that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of gentian?

While less common, the most serious side effects of gentian are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gentian may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking gentian and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use gentian?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take gentian.

  • Bitter root
  • Bitterwort
  • Gentian
  • Gentian root
  • Gentiana lutea
  • Great yellow gentian
  • Yellow gentian
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gentian products they stock.

Ulcers. Do not take gentian if you have a stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer. 

What should I know about gentian before using it?

Gentian is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Gentian is available in several forms. Common forms include dried root, teas, liquid extracts (tinctures), capsules, and bitter drinks (aperitifs and liqueurs made with gentian root). Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant. Gentian may also be found in products that contain other ingredients, herbs, or supplements. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Gentian can be confused with other plants. The most serious mix-up is with a poisonous plant called white hellebore (Veratrum album). Before white hellebore flowers, it looks a lot like gentian, and the two plants often grow in the same areas. People have been poisoned after drinking homemade gentian drinks that were made with white hellebore by mistake. To lower this risk, do not make gentian products from plants you pick yourself.

Keep gentian out of the reach of children.

Stomach problems can be signs of a serious health condition that needs care. Talk to your health care provider before using gentian if you have symptoms that are severe or do not go away.

Herbal products, such as gentian, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific gentian product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new product or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested gentian products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using gentian?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if gentian is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had a stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how gentian could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Gentian is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if gentian passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does gentian interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between gentian and foods or drinks.

Gentian is sometimes used to make bitter alcoholic drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect gentian.

Does gentian interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

The interactions between gentian and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with gentian is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking gentian with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much gentian?

If you or someone else has used too much gentian, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Gentian is available in many forms, such as dried root, teas, liquid extracts (tinctures), capsules, and bitter drinks. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use gentian safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.