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Chirata

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Synonyms: Indian gentian, Chirayta, Indian Balmony

Biological source:

Botanical name: Swertia chirata

Part used: entire herb

Family: Gentianaceae

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Geographical source:

  • Mainly found in India, Nepal and Bhutan

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Macroscopical features (Leaf)

    • Color: green
    • Odor: odorless
    • Taste: very bitter
    • Shape: lanceolate
    • Size: upto 8 cm long, 1.5-2 cm broad
    • Other features: entire margin, opposite, very acute , sessile

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Macroscopical features (other parts)

Upper part of stem is yellow to brown, lower part is purplish or brown to dark brown, exfoliated at some places.

Rhizome is angular to 5 cm long, pale yellow to brown in color. Root is primary 5-10 cm long, light brown, tapering, longitudinally wrinkled

Flowers show calyx and corolla of same size.

Fruit is ovate capsule.

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Microscopical features (Leaf)

Single layered epidermis with thick, striated cuticle.

Anisocytic stomata present

Single layered palisade tissue

4-7 layers of loosely arranged spongy parenchyma

Acicular( needle shaped) crystal, and oil droplets present in mesophyll cells.

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Chemical constituents

Important constituent include bitter principle gentiopicrin, amaraogentin and non glycosidic bitter principle ophelic acid.

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Pharmacological action / Uses

    • Bitter tonic, digestive, febrifuge, stimulant
    • Important ingredient in Mahasudarshan churna and sudarshan churna used successfully in chronic fever.
    • Has beneficial effect in liver promoting flow of bile.
    • Useful in constipation and dyspepsia.