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Herb Groups
GI Modifiers: Bitters
Botanicals
Definition
Gastrointestinal Modifiers: Bitters
definition:
Bitters (bitter principles) are a heterogeneous group of naturally occurring compounds, marked by their strong bitter taste and therapeutic importance rather than a chemical classification. "Bitterness value" is a rating system based on the amount of water in which a one gram extract of the compound can be diluted into and still retain a bitter taste. E.g., if 1gram in 20,000millilitres of water can just be tasted then the bitterness value is 20,000. Gentian root extract for example has a bitterness value of 58,000,000.
(Samuelson G, 1992. 153.)
chemistry of bitters:
The "classic bitters" are a widespread group of monoterpene glycosides known as the iridoid and secoiridoid glycosides found especially in the Gentianaceae. Most iridoids exist as glycosides, with a sugar molecule condensed to the lactone ring. Some bitter iridoid compounds exist in the free non-glycosidic form, e.g., the valepotriates of Valeriana spp. (Valerian root). Other bitters belong to the sesquiterpene series, or are of miscellaneous chemical structure such as the cyanogenic glycosides.Most alkaloids are bitter tasting: berberine from Hydrastis (Goldenseal) and Mahonia (Oregon Grape), caffeine from Coffea, and quinine from Cinchona spp. being characteristic. Rudolf Weiss distinguishes between "classical bitters" such as Gentian, and "warming pungent" bitters, such as Ginger or "aromatic" bitters such as Chamomile and Yarrow.
(Weiss R. 1988, 39.)
pharmacology of bitters:
Bitters act rapidly on the gastro-intestinal system as a general stimulatory "tonic." Secretion is stimulated and they increase, probably by vagal reflex action, the production of gastrin, pepsin and CKK. The net result is improvement in appetite and digestion. Salivary, gastric, duodenal, hepato-biliary, and pancreatic secretions are all stimulated. Sphincter tone is increased, particularly that of the lower esophageal sphincter. Bitter herbs may have other activities, including sedative, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, hypotensive, antipyretic and anti-depressant. Using herbs with combined actions, such as bitter-sedatives is a standard therapeutic practice in herbal medicine.
(Mills SY. 1991, 323.)
overview of pharmacokinetic interactions:
mechanisms: In general, bitter herbs will increase gastric acidity which may modify the bioavailability of medications. This depends on the pK values of the particular drug. The general increase in digestive function may lead to heightened absorption of concurrently ingested pharmaceutical drugs. This could theoretically alter the toxicity of a particular dose level of a given drug. Bitters also stimulate bile production and secretion, and to a degree may stimulate other aspects of hepatic metabolism thus further modifying pharmacokinetics of drug metabolism.
research: Studies and/or adverse reports on the pharmacokinetic interactions of bitter herbs with drugs are not available.
herbal concern: Bitters may increase absorption of concurrently ingested medications.
See also Herb Group Pharmacokinetic: Hepatic Metabolism Modifiers
» Herbs:
Common herbs with significant bitter value:
(including alkaloidal, warming and pungent bitters)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Acorus calamus (Sweet flag)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Artemisia annuum (Sweet Annie)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Centaurea spp. (Centaury)
Cichorium intybus (Chicory)
Cinchona spp. (Quinine) *toxic
Coffea arabica (Coffee)
Cnicus benedictus (Holy Thistle)
Cynara scolymus (Artichoke)
Gentiana lutea (Gentian)
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Inula helenium (Elecampane)
Lactusa virosa (Wild Lettuce)
Mahonia spp. (Oregon Grape Root)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Menyanthes trifoliata (Bogbean)
Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
Strychnos nux-vomica (Nux vomica) *toxic
Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Footnotes
Mills SY. Out of the Earth (The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine). London, UK: Arkana, 1991.
Samuelson G. Drugs of Natural Origin, A Textbook of Pharmacognosy. Stockholm, Sweden: Swedish Pharmaceutical Press, 1992.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988.