Gentian : Gentiana lutea, Genzianacee family. Perennial herbaceous plant up to 2 m tall; which must be cultivated above the 1500 m of height, otherwise the concentration of the active principles decays by 50%. The drug is represented by the hypogeal parts, in particular by the roots accompanied by parts of the rhizome.
Two subspecies of medicinal interest can be distinguished, also on the basis of active principles: the lutea and the symphyandra . Gentian is considered a bitter drug with marked eupeptic properties; it is therefore used both in the herbalist and liqueur sector.
In case it is addressed to the liqueur industry, the gentian is not immediately dried, but left to ferment for a short period. The digestive properties are mainly due to genziopicrin, a glucosidic secoiridoid and amarogentina, the most important iridoid for its high bitter index.
In ancient times, gentian was used as an antipyretic in association with china. Gentian appears to be contraindicated in the presence of duodenal and gastric ulcers, as well as in cases of hypertension. In cosmetics, the root infusion is used for the lightening action of freckles on the skin and for the treatment of oily skin.
