Infusions Of Flowers Of Centaurium Umbellatum
Also known as: Centaurium umbellatum, Centaurium erythraea, Common centaury, Centaury
Overview
Infusions of flowers of Centaurium umbellatum, also known as Common Centaury, are aqueous extracts derived from the flowering parts of this plant, which belongs to the Gentianaceae family. It is often confused with Centaurium erythraea, a closely related and better-studied species with similar phytochemical profiles. Traditionally, it has been used for various ailments including digestive disorders, fever reduction, wound healing, and as an antimicrobial agent. Its key characteristics stem from its rich composition of bitter secoiridoid glycosides (e.g., swertiamarin, sweroside), xanthones (eustomin, demethyleustomin), flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for its distinctive bitter taste and pharmacological activities. While widely used ethnomedicinally, particularly for diabetes and inflammatory conditions, most scientific research, including preclinical studies, focuses on Centaurium erythraea, with limited high-quality clinical trials specifically for Centaurium umbellatum infusions.
Benefits
Preclinical studies and traditional use suggest several potential benefits. The primary effects include *antibacterial activity*, where compounds like swertiamarin and sweroside have shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. *Antipyretic (fever-reducing) activity* has been observed in rat models, where dry aqueous extracts demonstrated fever reduction at doses of 50-100 mg/animal. Additionally, *wound healing* properties have been noted, with topical application of centaury oil accelerating wound healing in animal models. Secondary effects include *antimutagenic properties*, with xanthone derivatives eustomin and demethyleustomin inhibiting mutagenicity in bacterial assays. There are also *potential antidiabetic effects* supported by its ethnomedicinal use and the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, though clinical evidence is currently lacking. The strength of evidence for these benefits is primarily from preclinical and ethnopharmacological reports, with a notable absence of human clinical trials to confirm efficacy or quantify effect sizes in specific populations.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Centaurium umbellatum is primarily attributed to its bitter secoiridoid glycosides, which are believed to stimulate digestive secretions, thereby aiding digestion. Its antibacterial effects are likely due to the direct inhibition of bacterial growth by compounds such as swertiamarin and sweroside. The antimutagenic properties observed are linked to xanthone derivatives, which may interfere with mutagenic processes in bacteria. The plant's compounds interact primarily with the gastrointestinal and immune systems, and topically, they contribute to skin wound repair. While specific molecular targets in humans are not well-defined, in bacterial assays, its compounds appear to affect bacterial enzymes and DNA repair pathways. Absorption and bioavailability data are limited, but as an aqueous extract, it likely contains hydrophilic compounds with variable oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Animal toxicity studies indicate a high safety margin for Centaurium umbellatum. Acute oral doses up to 15 g/kg in mice and sub-chronic daily doses of 1200 mg/kg for 90 days in rats showed no significant adverse effects or toxicity. Common side effects have not been reported in animal studies, and human data are currently lacking, making it difficult to ascertain the frequency or severity of potential adverse reactions in humans. There are no documented uncommon or rare side effects. Due to the absence of human pharmacokinetic data, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, though none have been specifically identified. Contraindications are not established; however, due to insufficient data, use in pregnancy and lactation should be avoided. There are no specific studies on children, the elderly, or patients with pre-existing medical conditions, so its safety in these special populations remains unknown.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Centaurium umbellatum has not been established in humans. Animal studies have shown an antipyretic effect in rats at doses of 50-100 mg/animal. Optimal dosage ranges for human use are currently unknown, as traditional use involves infusions or tinctures with variable concentrations. Animal studies suggest a high safety margin, with acute doses up to 15 g/kg and sub-chronic doses of 1200 mg/kg/day showing no toxicity. Traditionally, infusions are taken before meals to stimulate digestion. The recommended forms include aqueous extracts (infusions) of the flowers or aerial parts, and topical oils for wound healing. The bitter compounds may affect palatability, and specific absorption factors or required cofactors have not been identified.
FAQs
Is it safe to consume infusions of Centaurium umbellatum flowers?
Animal studies suggest a high safety margin at elevated doses, but human safety data are limited. Therefore, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Does it help with digestion or infections?
Preclinical evidence supports its potential to stimulate digestion and exhibit antibacterial effects. However, robust clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm these benefits.
Can it be used topically?
Yes, animal studies have indicated that topical application of centaury oil can accelerate wound healing, suggesting potential for external use.
How quickly do effects appear?
Animal studies typically show effects within days. However, the onset of effects in humans is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical research.
Research Sources
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf – This EMA assessment report on Centaurium erythraea, a closely related species, identifies antibacterial, antipyretic, and antimutagenic activities of its extracts. It also characterizes the active compounds, providing strong phytochemical and preclinical data, though it notes the absence of human clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20800671/ – This animal study investigated the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of Centaurium umbellatum. It found no toxicity or adverse effects in mice and rats at high doses, establishing a favorable safety profile in animal models, which is relevant for safety assessments.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33940085/ – This systematic review explores the phytochemical composition and ethnomedicinal uses of Centaurium species. It confirms traditional uses and pharmacological activities, highlighting the need for further in vivo and clinical studies to validate these findings.
- https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2300902 – This animal study demonstrated that topical application of centaury oil significantly accelerated wound healing in rats compared to controls. While the sample size was not specified, it provides evidence supporting the traditional topical use of centaury for wound care.