Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chirata (Swertia chirata) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for a variety of digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). The use of Chirata for dyspepsia is well-documented in classical herbal texts, where it is described as an "appetizer" and "digestive stimulant" due to its intensely bitter principles (mainly secoiridoid glycosides like swertiamarin and amarogentin). These bitter compounds are believed to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and bile, thereby promoting digestion and alleviating symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and loss of appetite.

However, the scientific evidence for Chirata’s efficacy in dyspepsia is limited. While in vitro and animal studies have shown that extracts of Swertia chirata exhibit gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, direct clinical evidence in humans for its use in dyspepsia is lacking. Most of the support comes from traditional use and pharmacological rationale based on its bitter components. No high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating Chirata for dyspepsia have been published as of 2024. Thus, while the traditional use is strong, scientific validation remains weak, meriting a modest evidence rating.

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