Centaury, also known as Centaurium erythraea, belongs to the Gentianaceae family and was named Medicinal Plant of the Year in Germany in 2004.
Distribution & Habitat
The plant is widespread throughout almost all of Europe (except northwestern Scandinavia), and in warmer regions as far west as western Asia and North Africa. In Germany, it can be found in sunny, semi-arid meadows and forest clearings up to about 1,400 meters in altitude.
It usually grows as an annual, rarely a biennial, plant with a rosette base and self-pollinating flowers that open in warm daytime temperatures (at least 20°C) and bloom for about five days.
Active ingredients
Known bioactive components include bitter substances (e.g., erythrocentaurin), flavonoids, xanthones, phenolic acids, essential oils, and even valeric acid.
Also mentioned in specialist publications are phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic and sinapic acid), sterols (brassicasterol, stigmasterol), and the characteristic secoiridoid glycosides – wertiamarin and sweroside.
Health Benefits
Traditional uses
- Used as an appetite stimulant and to support digestion (e.g., for flatulence, dyspepsia) as a tea or extract.
- Also used in folk medicine for liver/gallbladder complaints, fever, and previously also as an antihelminthic (deworming) or emetic.
Scientifically Investigated Effects:
- In an EMA report (2015), the traditional use to stimulate appetite and digestion is supported by in vitro and in vivo studies; however, antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects are not sufficiently documented.
- A recent study (2025) confirms antioxidant effects and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects in skin tests, as well as good oral tolerability.
- According to a study, extracts of C. erythraea can protect pancreatic beta cells by promoting antioxidant and pro-survival pathways – interesting in the context of diabetes mellitus.
- According to information on MedicineNet, centaury is said to have potential antimicrobial, gastroprotective, analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects – based on ingredients such as gentiopicroside, sweroside, swertiamarin, xanthones, and quercetin.
Caution
Centaury should not be used in cases of hyperacidity or gastric ulcers. The bitter compounds it contains strongly stimulate gastric acid production
Careful also with
- Reflux / Heartburn
- Gastritis
- Peptic ulcers (gastric ulcers)
- Duodenal ulcers (duodenal ulcers)
The irritation can aggravate existing symptoms.
Did you know?
- Medicinal Plant of the Year 2004 in Germany – recognition of its medicinal significance.
- The name "centaury" is derived from the Greek kentaúrion, named after the centaur Chiron, who used the plant to heal wounds.
- In some regions, the herb is also used in herbal liqueurs or pastis recipes.
- In early herbal books (e.g., Dioscorides, Pliny, Galen), it was used to treat eye diseases, skin wounds, menstrual cramps, and as a tonic (e.g., for hair bleaching or for infirmity).
- The term "hundred-guilder herb" was a folk etymological derivation – originally valued metaphorically, not to be taken literally.
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Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.