Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bitter principles, often derived from botanicals such as gentian, wormwood, or various other "bitters" used in traditional medicine, have a long-standing history of use to stimulate appetite, particularly in cases of deficient appetite. In Traditional Chinese Medicine and European herbalism, bitter-tasting herbs are believed to activate digestive secretions and promote a sense of hunger. The mechanism traditionally cited is that the bitter taste stimulates receptors in the mouth, which in turn increase saliva and gastric juice production, thereby enhancing appetite and digestion. Historical texts and pharmacopeias from the 18th and 19th centuries often include preparations of bitters as remedies for anorexia (loss of appetite) and various dyspeptic complaints.

While some modern scientific studies suggest that bitter compounds can increase salivation and possibly gastric secretions, rigorous clinical trials specifically examining the efficacy of bitters for appetite stimulation are limited. Most support for their use is rooted in traditional practices and anecdotal evidence rather than large-scale, high-quality scientific studies. Therefore, while the traditional use is strong, and there is some plausible physiological basis, robust scientific validation is lacking.

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