Gentian (Tibetan 'Bang Jian' group)
Gentiana straminea(?)
Other names: bang jian / 'Bang', Gentian (Tibetan 'Bang Jian' group)
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Low at traditional doses; very bitter, large amounts may cause gastric upset/nausea.
Contraindications: Caution in gastric ulcer/hyperacidity (bitter stimulant of secretion); pregnancy data insufficient.
Interactions: Not well documented; theoretical additive effect with hepatically-cleared drugs.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Data insufficient.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
decoction/powder/pill · root and rhizome
Part used: root and rhizome
Traditional use: bitter 'heat-clearing' for fever, inflammation, 'hot' liver/bile disorders, sore throat, rheumatic complaints
Proposed mechanism: Secoiridoid glycosides (gentiopicroside, sweroside, swertiamarin, loganic acid), xanthones, flavonoids — anti-inflammatory (NF-κB/cytokine modulation), hepatoprotective/choleretic, analgesic (preclinical)
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not nutritional; bioactives are secoiridoid glycosides.
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- Li et al. 2023, Front Pharmacol (PMID 38161696)
- Peng et al. 2025, Front Pharmacol (PMID 40799828)