Centaury

The Centaury (Centaurium erythraea), also known as “Common Centaury”, belongs to the family of gentians (Gentianaceae) and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It prefers to grow in sunny meadows, along waysides, and on fallow land, and stands out with its delicate pink flowers, which appear in dense cymes. The name “Centaury” points to the high value the plant has held in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. As early as antiquity, it was mentioned by physicians such as Dioscorides and Galen. Today it is regarded as one of the most important bitter plants in Europe.

What health benefits does Centaury offer?

Not only in traditional medicine are various positive effects attributed to Centaury; modern research also points to great potential. Although more research is needed to fully understand the plant's effects, and not all study results can be transferred without qualification, here are some of the findings to date:

  • Antimicrobial effect: Extracts have shown antibacterial and antifungal effects in various studies. (1,2,3).
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: Studies suggest that the plant could have an anti-inflammatory effect (1,2,4).
  • Antioxidant effect: Results of scientific investigations suggest that the plant could have an antioxidant effect due to the presence of xanthone molecules (1,2,5).
  • Liver-supporting: Studies suggest that its constituents can positively influence liver function by promoting regeneration and inhibiting harmful oxidation processes (2).
  • Gastroprotective effect: Some research findings suggest that centaury extracts could protect against gastric damage (2,5).
  • Antidiabetic: Research findings suggest that centaury extracts could have antidiabetic properties (2).

How does Centaury work in the body?

The effect of Centaury is presumably based on several classes of secondary metabolites such as xanthonoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids (2).

Are there risks or side effects?

  • Excessive use: If the dosage is too high, stomach complaints such as heartburn or nausea can occur.
  • Not with gastric ulcers: Because of its strongly acid-stimulating effect, intake is contraindicated in existing gastric or duodenal ulcers.
  • Lack of data on pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use should be avoided in these cases.
  • Insufficient body of research: The current body of research is so far not sufficient to be able to make conclusive statements about the effects of the plant.

Conclusion

The Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) is a medicinal plant rich in tradition that is valued above all for a multitude of different properties. Its bitter compounds make it a classic ingredient of many naturopathic stomach and herbal elixirs. Even though modern research likewise assumes great medicinal potential, more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Sources:

  1. Guedes, L., Reis, P. B. P. S., Machuqueiro, M., Ressaissi, A., Pacheco, R., & Serralheiro, M. L. (2019). Bioactivities of Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) Decoctions: Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibition and Docking Studies. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(20), 3795. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24203795
  2. El Menyiy, N., Guaouguaou, F.-E., El Baaboua, A., El Omari, N., Taha, D., Salhi, N., Shariati, M. A., Aanniz, T., Benali, T., Zengin, G., El-Shazly, M., Chamkhi, I., & Bouyahya, A. (2021). Phytochemical properties, biological activities and medicinal use of Centaurium erythraea Rafn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 276, 114171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114171
  3. Kumarasamy Y., Nahar L., Cox P.J., Jaspars M., Sarker S.D. Bioactivity of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea. Phytomedicine. 2003;10:344–347. doi: 10.1078/094471103322004857.
  4. Berkan T., Üstünes L., Lermioglu F., Özer A. Antiinflammatory, Analgesic, and Antipyretic Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Erythraea centaurium. Planta Med. 1991;57:34–37. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-960011.
  5. Tülüce, Y., Özkol, H., Koyuncu, İ., & Ine, H. (2011). Gastroprotective effect of small centaury (Centaurium erythraea L.) on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 27(8), 760–768. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233710397421