Botanical Profile
Common centaury belongs to the Gentianaceae and is one of the classic European bitter plants. The flowering herb, Centaurii herba, is used.
Centaurium erythraea Rafn is usually an annual to biennial plant with a basal leaf rosette, upright stem and delicate pink to purplish-red flowers. The star-shaped flowers open preferably in sunny weather. The species grows in nutrient-poor meadows, open woodland margins, dry grasslands and extensively managed grassland. Habitat loss has led to declining populations in various regions.
Phytochemistry
The herbal drug contains secoiridoid bitter substances such as swertiamarin, sweroside and gentiopicroside. Xanthones, flavonoids, phenolic acids and other secondary plant constituents have also been described. The bitter fraction is of major pharmacognostic significance and makes Centaurii herba a classic representative of European amara drugs.
Traditional Uses
Common centaury has a long tradition in European herbal and medicinal-plant knowledge. Ancient, medieval and early modern sources describe bitter-tasting gentian plants. EMA/HMPC, WHO, ESCOP and the European Pharmacopoeia document Centaurii herba as a bitter herbal drug. In herbals, the plant frequently appears alongside gentian, wormwood or horehound.
Current Research
Research on Centaurium erythraea focuses on swertiamarin, sweroside, gentiopicroside, xanthones and chemotaxonomic questions within the Gentianaceae. Studies address differences in origin, cultivation parameters, harvesting methods and analytical quality control.
Sources
- EMA/HMPC: European Union herbal monograph on Centaurium erythraea Rafn, herba
- WHO: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Centaurii herba
- ESCOP: ESCOP Monographs – Centaurii herba
- European Pharmacopoeia: Centaurii herba
- Standard reference: Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Common centaury
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.