Background
- Gentiana lutea is known for its bitter root. It has been used for hundreds of years for the digestive system. Supposedly, the action of gentian begins when it is absorbed by the membranes of the mouth. Particles in gentian stimulate the taste buds, causing an increase in saliva, gastric juice, and bile secretion.
- Available human studies for the traditional uses of gentian are currently lacking. Although gentian has been used traditionally with relative safety, poisoning has been reported with homemade gentian wine contaminated with white hellebore.
References
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