Centaury

Generic name: Centaurium Erythraea Rafn.
Brand names: Bitter Herb, Centaurri Herba, Centaury, Centaury Gentian, Centaury Herb, Christ's Ladder, Common Centaury, Feverfoullie, Feverwort, Filwort, Lesser Centaury, Minor Centaury, Mraret Lahnach, Red Centaury

Usage of Centaury

Pharmacological experiments reveal various biological effects of C. erythraea, including antioxidant, antifungal, antileishmanial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, dermatoprotective, gastroprotective, spasmolytic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and diuretic effects.(El Menyiy 2021, Haloui 2000)

Antibacterial/Antifungal activity

In vitro data

Activity against microorganisms has been demonstrated. Certain xanthones from C. erythraea may possess antimutagenic actions against several strains of Salmonella typhimurium(Schimmer 1996); it should be noted that mutagenicity has been demonstrated for methanolic extracts of the related product gentian (Gentiana lutea L.).(WHO 1999) Antibacterial effects against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria have also been demonstrated. Similarly, antifungal effects have been demonstrated.(El Menyiy 2021)

Antihypertensive effects

Animal data

In a murine model, a methanolic fraction of C. erythraea produced antihypertensive effects through promotion of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and prevention of fibroblast proliferation resulting from angiotensin II.(Chda 2020)

Anti-inflammatory/Antipyretic effects

Animal data

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic, but not analgesic, actions of aqueous extracts of the plant have been demonstrated in several animal models.(Berkan 1991, Lacroix 1973)

Diabetes

Animal and in vitro data

In a systematic review of medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes, the chloroform extract of C. erythraea inhibited alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. A hydroalcoholic extract of C. erythraea lowered glucose levels in mice with type 2 diabetes.(Hamza 2019) In an animal model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, a methanolic extract of C. erythraea given daily increased insulin concentrations, decreased glucose levels, decreased hemoglobin A1c levels, and improved lipid panels. It also protected red blood cells from oxidative damage.(Đorđević 2017) In another study, an extract of C. erythraea improved the structure and function of pancreatic beta cells in animals with streptozocin-induced diabetes.(Đorđević 2019)

Enzyme inhibitory activity

In vitro data

Decoctions of C. erythraea exerted inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.(Guedes 2019)

Centaury side effects

Information is lacking.(Blumenthal 1998, Duke 2002) A case report of hepatotoxicity exists; however, causality was not established.(Stahlmann 2012, Sychev 2011)

Before taking Centaury

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.(Duke 2002, Newall 1996)

How to use Centaury

There is no published clinical evidence to guide dosing of centaury.

Warnings

Information is limited. Mutagenicity has been demonstrated for methanolic extracts of the related product gentian (G. lutea L.) in Salmonella assays.(WHO 1999) In an acute toxicity study in mice, oral doses of lyophilized C. erythraea up to 15 g/kg did not result in mortality or signs of toxicity; however, intraperitoneal doses were associated with a dose-related increase in mortality rate and acute toxicity, with a calculated median lethal dose (LD50) of 12.13 g/kg.(Tahraoui 2010) In a suBChronic toxicity study in mice, daily doses of 100, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg for 90 days did not affect hematological or biochemical parameters, except for a small reduction in mean corpuscular volume.(Tahraoui 2010)

What other drugs will affect Centaury

None well documented.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords