Evidence supporting the use of: Gentian root
For the body system: Gall Bladder

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Synopsis

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

Gentian root (Gentiana lutea) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Asian systems. It is classified as a "bitter" herb, and its primary traditional application has been to stimulate digestive function. According to traditional herbalists, gentian root increases the secretion of saliva, gastric juices, and bile, thereby aiding in digestion and supporting the gall bladder. The gall bladder’s function is closely linked to bile production and flow, and bitters like gentian were historically believed to “tone” or support this system.

Scientific evidence for gentian root’s effect specifically on gall bladder health is limited. Some studies have demonstrated that gentian extracts may stimulate gastric secretions and possibly bile flow in animal models or in vitro. However, there are few, if any, robust clinical trials directly evaluating gentian’s efficacy in gall bladder disorders or its impact on bile production and flow in humans. Most of the support for its use in this context is drawn from traditional herbal texts and empirical use rather than rigorous scientific validation. Thus, while its use is well-established in traditional medicine for supporting digestive and gall bladder functions, the scientific evidence remains preliminary and not definitive.

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