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Dietary supplement

Gentian Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gentian is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for loss of appetite, indigestion and bloating, digestive bitter tonic.Based on those ingredients, 172 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gentian Rhizome with Root Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gentian by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: gentian rhizome with root extract. Gentian root has a long history in herbal medicine and is prepared here as a liquid extract using cane alcohol and distilled water.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Gentian's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: gastrointestinal system restoration and digestive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Flatulence, Gastritis, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Diarrhea, indigestion, bloating — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Gentian is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Gentian is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Flatulence, Gastritis.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that gentian works reliably for wound healing, obesity, rhinosinusitis (sinus inflammation), or gastritis (stomach inflammation)—the data on each of those is insufficient to rate it. If you're thinking about gentian for one of those reasons, there's not a solid foundation in the research we have on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gentian

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Gentian is generally well tolerated in small amounts by healthy adults, but it can irritate your stomach. In a study of patients taking gentian tincture alongside turmeric and ginger for low appetite related to cancer, some participants developed nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating—six stopped because of nausea alone.

The safety data on gentian in pregnancy is not strong enough, so it's best avoided if you're pregnant. There isn't enough reliable information to know whether it's safe while breastfeeding, so avoid it then as well.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gentian

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Gentian.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 172 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Blood pressure medications (antihypertensives)—such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics—are the main class to double-check. Gentian can lower your blood pressure, so combining it with these drugs could cause hypotension (blood pressure that's too low).

Run your specific medications through the checker before you start.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Gentian might be worth considering if you're interested in its traditional uses, but the scientific evidence for it is weak across the board. The main caution is if you take blood pressure medication—you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since gentian can lower blood pressure itself.

Talk it over with your healthcare provider before adding it, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a sensitive stomach.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Gentian, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090700000592
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 307510
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Gentian by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
42
UPC/BARCODE
090700000592
IngredientAmount% DV
Gentian Rhizome with Root Extract657 mg--

Other ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use Shake well before using Adults: Add 1 squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 or 3 times per day. Best taken 15-20 before meals.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

Formula

Gentiana lutea

Gentian liquid extract

Prepared from the rhizome with root of certified organically grown Gentiana lutea plants.

Formulation

System restoration Gastrointestinal

USDA Organic

Gluten-free

Prepared from the rhizome with root of certified organically grown Gentiana lutea plants. Certified organic by Organic Certifiers

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Gentian by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gentian by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container42 Amounts shown are per serving.

Gentian Rhizome with Root Extract

Interacts with
172 drugs
657 mg per serving

Gentian is a very bitter root traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease mild digestive complaints, often as part of "bitters" before meals. Th...

Gentian Rhizome with Root Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gentian by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gentian?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
172Drugs
172 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gentian with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Gentian Rhizome with Root Extract1 drug type · 172 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking gentian with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro research shows that gentian can cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Gentian, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gentian by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Gentian by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gentian has a known interaction with 172 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Gentian contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The safety data for gentian in pregnancy is not strong enough, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I use this while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information to know whether gentian is safe while breastfeeding. It's best to avoid it during that time and discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Does gentian actually work for anything?
The evidence we have is insufficient to rate gentian reliably for wound healing, obesity, sinus inflammation, or gastritis. If you're considering it for one of those reasons, the science backing it up isn't solid yet.
What side effects should I watch for?
Gentian can upset your stomach. Some people in studies experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating when taking it alongside other herbs. If your stomach is sensitive, it's worth being cautious.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Gentian is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Gentian label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gentian's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 5 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gentian 5 references
  1. Neubauer N, Marz RW. Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, clincal trial with Sinupret sugar coated tablets on the basis of a therapy with antibiotics and decongestant nasal drops in acute sinusitis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:177-81.
  2. Marz RW, Ismail C, Popp MA. Action profile and efficacy of a herbal combination preparation for the treatment of sinusitis. Wien Med Wochenschr 1999;149:202-8.
  3. Uncini Manganelli RE, Chericoni S, Baragatti B. Ethnopharmacobotany in Tuscany: plants used as antihypertensives. Fitoterapia 2000;71:S95-100. PubMed
  4. Baragatti B, Calderone V, Testai L, et al. Vasodilator activity of crude methanolic extract of Gentiana kokiana Perr. et Song. (Gentianaceae). J Ethnopharmacol 2002;79:369-72. PubMed
  5. Sanatani M, Younus J, Stitt L, et al. Tolerability of the combination of ginger (Zingiber officinalis), gentian (Gentiana lutea) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) in patients with cancer-associated anorexia. J Complement Integr Med. 2015;12(1):57-60.

See these in context on the Gentian monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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