Effects of Gentiana lutea root on vascular diseases.

BACKGROUND Gentiana lutea (GL), commonly known as yellow gentian, bitter root, and bitterwort, belongs to family Gentianaceae. GL belongs to genus Gentiana, which is a rich natural source of iridoids, secoiridoids, xantones, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carbohydrates. Medicinal plants from Gentiana species have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mitogenic, anti-proliferative, and lipid-lowering effects, as well as a cardioprotective, hypotensive, vasodilator and anti-platelet activities. OBJECTIVE We reviewed the recent literature related to the effects of Gentiana species, and their active components on vascular diseases. METHODS Data used for this review were obtained by searching the electronic database [PUBMED/MEDLINE 1973 - February 2020]. The primary data search terms of interest were: Gentiana lutea, Gentienacea family, phytochemistry, vascular diseases, treatment of vascular diseases, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic. CONCLUSION Gentiana species and their constituents affect many different factors related to vascular disease development and progression. Therefore, Gentiana-based therapeutics represent potentially useful drugs for the management of vascular diseases.