Centaury is an herb. People dry the parts that grow above the ground and use them as medicine.
Centaury is used for kidney damage in people with diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), loss of appetite (anorexia), and indigestion (dyspepsia), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In food and beverages, centaury is used as a flavoring.
How does it work ?
Centaury contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation.
Centaury contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation.
Uses & Effectiveness
Insufficient Evidence for
Loss of appetite (anorexia).
Kidney damage in people with diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).
Indigestion (dyspepsia).
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of centaury for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Centaury is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in medicinal amounts.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Centaury is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in medicinal amounts. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Centaury is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if centaury is safe to use in medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Interactions
We currently have no information for CENTAURY overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of centaury depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for centaury. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Ozaki, Y. [Vasodilative effects of indole alkaloids obtained from domestic plants, Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. and Amsonia elliptica Roem. et Schult]. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1990;95(2):47-54. View abstract.
Perez C, Calvo F, Silicani A, and et al. Assessment of Uncaria tormentosa in extracellular rheumatism and osteoarthritis. Paper presented at Symposium on Uncarias. Lima, Peru 1997.
Pilarski, R., Filip, B., Wietrzyk, J., Kuras, M., and Gulewicz, K. Anticancer activity of the Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. preparations with different oxindole alkaloid composition. Phytomedicine. 12-1-2010;17(14):1133-1139. View abstract.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Martynyuk L, Martynyuk L, Ruzhitska O, Martynyuk O. Effect of the herbal combination Canephron N on diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus: results of a comparative cohort study. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(6):472-478.
Valentão P, Fernandes E, Carvalho F, et al. Hydroxyl radical and hypochlorous acid scavenging activity of small centaury (Centaurium erythraea) infusion. A comparative study with green tea (Camellia sinensis). Phytomedicine. 2003;10(6-7):517-22. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.