Centaurium erythraea RAFN.:Centaury

Author(s): Mauthner, H.

Abstract: Centaurium erythraea, Centaury, is a traditional herbal remedy which plays still a certain role as phytopharmacon today. However, the crude drug and its galenic preparations are almost exclusively applied as stomachic or bitter tonic. The known herbal books of the 16th and 17th centunries show a much broader spectrum of indications for this medical plant. Besides the application as stomachic and cholagogue the herb was used as an anthelminthic, febrifuge, and locally, for eczema and wounds.The most important constituents of the plant are secoiridolds, xanthones, phenolic acids, cinnamic acids and phytosterols. Apart from the bitter taste, the main compounds are known to exhibit further important biological activities, e.g. antimicrobial, antipyretic and antiinflammatory actions. Additionally antimutagenic, antitumongenic and antioxidative properties were also reported, which are possibly useful for protecting human cells against damage of DNA by genotoxic agents. From our present knowledge it follows that the true therapeutic potential of Centaury is not yet fully displayed. Therefore, the plant is not utilized to its full potential.

Keyword(s): Centaurium erythraea RAFN.

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