What is gentian?
The use of gentian in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with
a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner
trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment
among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Gentian is also known as gentianine, seamless gentian, yellow gentian, bitter root, bitter
wort, pale gentian, and gall weed.
The oral form of gentian has been used to improve appetite and digestion.
Gentian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of gentian may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Gentian may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gentian?
Do not take gentian without first talking to your doctor if you have a stomach
disorder, a stomach ulcer, or high blood pressure.
Talk to your doctor before taking gentian if you have any other medical conditions,
allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements.
Gentian may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take gentian without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether gentian will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take gentian without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether gentian will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of gentian by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take gentian?
The use of gentian in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with
a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner
trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment
among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take gentian, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures,
and others) of gentian at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care
professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of gentian.
Store gentian as directed on the package. In general, gentian should be protected from
light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of gentian?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of gentian. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about gentian?
Your pharmacist has information about gentian written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of gentian?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to gentian have been reported. Stop taking
gentian and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have also been reported. Talk to your doctor if you
experience:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about gentian?
Do not take gentian without first talking to your doctor if you have a stomach
disorder, a stomach ulcer, or high blood pressure.
Gentian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of gentian may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking gentian?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking gentian,
unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect gentian?
No other medicines have been reported to interact with gentian. Talk to your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines
or other herbal/health supplements while taking gentian.
What happens if I have an overdose of gentian?