Evidence supporting the use of: Scabrous Gentian
For the health condition: Jaundice (adults)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Scabrous Gentian (Gentiana scabra) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other East Asian medicinal systems for the treatment of jaundice and various liver disorders in adults. In the classical TCM materia medica, Scabrous Gentian—often referred to as "Long Dan Cao"—is described as having properties that "clear heat" and "drain dampness" from the liver and gallbladder meridians, which are believed to underlie symptoms such as jaundice. The use of this herb is documented in ancient texts like the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), and it remains part of several composite formulas (e.g., Long Dan Xie Gan Tang) still used today for liver-related ailments.
Despite its entrenched position in traditional medicine, scientific validation for the use of Scabrous Gentian specifically in jaundice is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies have explored its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, but direct clinical evidence in humans for the treatment of jaundice is lacking. The rating of "2" reflects that while there is a strong traditional basis and some preliminary pharmacological rationale, robust scientific data from clinical trials is largely absent. Therefore, its use for jaundice is primarily justified by tradition rather than by scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Jaundice (adults)
aloe veragreen chiretta
annatto
artichoke
bamboo
barberry
myrobalan
betel
blackberry
bovine liver
rice
turmeric
dandelion
gooseberry
heartwood
honeysuckle
licorice root
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
plum fruit
reishi mushroom
scrophularia root
silymarin
chickweed
typhonium
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
morus
sweetgums
birch
sheep's sorrel
peach
white oak
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Arani
Borotutu
Babchi
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Beef liver
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Banyan
black salt
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bergenia
Chinese Silkvine
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Chirata
Calamus
Carthamus
Colocynth
Clerodendrum indicum
Didymocarpus
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Embelia
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Goldthread
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Ivy
Lotus
Little ironweed
Orchid
Rhubarb
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Scabrous Gentian
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion (sinus)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting