Gentian (Gentiana lutea):

Therapeutic actions:

Anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, cholagogue, digestive stimulant, sialagogue. (Bone, 2003, p. 224) (Mills, 1994. p. 104)

Phytochemical constituents that enhance these:

• Alkaloids, bitter glycosides, flavonoids. (Mills, 1994. p. 104)

Supporting evidence:

Stomach cells when exposed to gentian extract showed a rise in gastric acid production. Salivary secretion was found to have increased significantly after oral administration of gentian. Gastric secretion, cholagogue and choleretic activity has been shown after oral administration of an alcoholic extract of gentian. (Bone, 2003, p. 225)