The best known Gentian is the Greater Gentian (Gentiana lutea L.), one of 400 species of the Gentianaceae family that grow in the temperate mountain regions of Asia, Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand. It is a perennial plant that, during the summer, develops a stalk up to 80 cm high with a basal rose of between 4 and 8 oblong leaves. The flowers grow in two opposing groups at different levels above two elliptical leaves with a flower on top of the stem.

The colour of Gentiana lutea varies from yellow to orange and its taste is bitter.

What it is used for and where

Medically, microencapsulated bitter compounds from Gentiana lutea have been shown to reduce daily energy intake in humans (1) and this may be useful for those suffering from obesity and related diseases (2).

The main substances contained include carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins (3), antioxidants and anti-inflammatories  potentially useful in the management of vascular diseases (4).

Gentian studies

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Mennella I, Fogliano V, Ferracane R, Arlorio M, Pattarino F, Vitaglione P. Microencapsulated bitter compounds (from Gentiana lutea) reduce daily energy intakes in humans. Br J Nutr. 2016 Nov 10:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516003858.

(2) Joksić G, Tričković JF, Joksić I. Potential of Gentiana lutea for the Treatment of Obesity-associated Diseases. Curr Pharm Des. 2019;25(18):2071-2076. doi: 10.2174/1381612825666190708215743.

(3) Berman J, Sheng Y, Gómez Gómez L, Veiga T, Ni X, Farré G, Capell T, Guitián J, Guitián P, Sandmann G, Christou P, Zhu C. Red Anthocyanins and Yellow Carotenoids Form the Color of Orange-Flower Gentian (Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca). PLoS One. 2016 Sep 2;11(9):e0162410. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162410.

(4) Joksic G, Radak D, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Obradovic M, Radovanovic J, Isenovic ER. Effects of Gentiana lutea Root on Vascular Diseases. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2021;19(4):359-369. doi: 10.2174/1570161118666200529111314.