Page 105 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

2- Roots containing iriodoid glycosides

Gentian root-Gentiana-‫جذر الجنطيانا‬

Gentian is the dried fermented rhizomes and roots of Gentiana lutea,
known as yellow Gentian

Overfermentation:
Overfermented gentian is easily broken, with pores and has smoky odour.
Constituents:

• Gentian contains bitter glycosides, flavones glycosides, sugars,
pectin, fixed oils and minor alkaloids.

• Other non-glucosidal bitters are amaropanin and amarogentin.
Mechanism of action of bitters:
The bitter taste causes reflex excitation of the taste buds (receptors) to
increase the secretion of saliva and gastric juice. So bitters are digestive
stimulants, cholagogue and sialagogue.
Uses:

1. Gentian is used as bitter tonic and stomachic in anorexia and
dyspepsia, and other digestive problems e.g. flatulence, colics.

2. It also improves the appetite.

Devil’s claw (Wood Spider)

It consists of the dried, secondary tubers of Harpagophytum
Plants of the genus owe their common name "devil's claw" to the peculiar
appearance of their hooked fruit.

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