Greenherb supplies a premium, traditionally-esteemed Gentian Root Powder, derived from the dried roots of Gentiana lutea L. (yellow gentian), a perennial herb native to the alpine meadows of central and southern Europe. Our gentian root powder is carefully processed from mature, sustainably harvested roots to preserve the full spectrum of intensely bitter secoiridoid glycosides, primarily gentiopicroside (also known as gentiopicrin), amarogentin, and swertiamarin. This potent gentian powder is one of the most bitter botanicals known, delivering clinically-supported benefits for digestive health, appetite stimulation, and gastrointestinal wellness, making it an essential ingredient for traditional bitter tonics and modern digestive formulations.
We support global B2B customers with consistent quality, scalable supply, and comprehensive analytical documentation, enabling the development of effective digestive wellness products that leverage this time-honored bitter root's remarkable properties.
Standardized for High-Potency Secoiridoid Glycosides – Our gentian root extract is precisely standardized to guarantee consistent levels of gentiopicroside (typically 2%, 3%, 5%), the primary bitter compound responsible for its digestive-stimulating properties. Amarogentin, one of the most bitter natural compounds ever discovered, is also preserved, ensuring reliable potency in every batch of gentian root powder.
Traditional & Clinically Recognized Digestive Bitter – Gentian root has been used for over 2,000 years in European herbalism as the quintessential bitter tonic. Modern clinical research confirms that gentian root extract stimulates gastric acid secretion, bile production, and digestive enzyme release via bitter taste receptors on the tongue and in the gut, supporting healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
Supports Appetite Regulation & Healthy Eating Patterns – The extreme bitterness of gentian powder acts as a natural appetite stimulant, helping to normalize eating patterns in individuals with reduced appetite due to convalescence, aging, or digestive sluggishness. It primes the digestive system for food intake.
Promotes Healthy Liver & Gallbladder Function – Gentian root extract has hepatoprotective and cholagogue properties, stimulating bile flow from the liver and gallbladder. This supports healthy fat digestion, detoxification pathways, and overall liver health within normal ranges.
Potent Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Activity – Beyond its bitter principles, gentian root contains xanthones (gentisin, isogentisin) and phenolic compounds that provide significant free radical scavenging activity and support healthy inflammatory balance, complementing its primary digestive benefits.
Gentle Gut Motility Support – By enhancing gastric secretions and bile flow, gentian root supplement helps regulate gut motility without stimulating the central nervous system, making it suitable for individuals with sluggish digestion or feeling of fullness after small meals.
Sustainably Sourced from Alpine Regions – Our gentian root is wild-cultivated or sustainably harvested from certified alpine regions in France, Germany, and the Balkans, ensuring high bioactive content and responsible agricultural practices.
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Item |
Specification |
Test result |
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Extract Ratio |
10:1 |
Conforms |
|
Physical Control |
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Appearance |
Brown Fine Powder |
Conforms |
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Odor & Taste |
Characteristic |
Conforms |
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Identification |
Positive |
Conforms |
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Part Used |
Root |
Conforms |
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Extract Solvent |
Water |
Conforms |
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Loss on Drying |
≤7.0% |
Conforms |
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Ash |
≤9.0% |
Conforms |
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Particle size |
NLT 95% through 80 mesh |
Conforms |
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Solubility |
Water soluble |
Conforms |
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Allergens |
None |
Conforms |
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Chemical Control |
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Heavy Metals |
NMT10ppm |
Conforms |
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Lead(Pb) |
NMT2ppm |
Conforms |
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Arsenic (As) |
NMT1ppm |
Conforms |
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Mercury(Hg) |
NMT1ppm |
Conforms |
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Cadmium(Cd) |
NMT1ppm |
Conforms |
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GMO Status |
GMO Free |
Conforms |
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Microbiological Control |
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Total Plate Count |
10,000cfu/g Max |
Conforms |
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Yeast & Mold |
1,000cfu/g Max |
Conforms |
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E.Coli |
Negative |
Negative |
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Salmonella |
Negative |
Negative |
Greenherb's Gentian Root Powder captures the therapeutic essence of a herb that has been called the "king of digestive bitters" for over two millennia. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued gentian root for treating digestive ailments, and it remains a cornerstone of European herbal medicine today, recognized in German Commission E monographs for dyspeptic complaints . The root's bitterness comes from amarogentin—one of the most bitter natural compounds known—which activates bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) on the tongue and in the gastrointestinal tract, triggering a cascade of digestive responses including increased saliva, gastric acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes . Unlike many herbs that work through systemic mechanisms, gentian root works directly through sensory and local pathways, making it exceptionally safe and fast-acting. Our gentian powder is ideal for traditional bitter tonics, digestive bitters blends, and modern functional formulations for individuals experiencing sluggish digestion. Whether you need gentian root extract for liquid tinctures or gentian root supplement capsules, our ingredient delivers the authentic, potent bitterness that has stood the test of time.
Botanical Source: Gentiana lutea L. (Yellow Gentian)
Used Part: Dried Root (mature, 4-7 years growth)
Key Active Components: Secoiridoid Glycosides (Gentiopicroside, Amarogentin, Swertiamarin), Xanthones (Gentisin, Isogentisin), Phenolic Acids .
Standardization: Available as whole root powder or standardized to gentiopicroside content (2%, 3%, 5%)
Appearance: Fine, light brown to yellowish-brown powder with characteristic intensely bitter, earthy aroma
Flavor: Extremely bitter, lingering—characteristic of gentian root
Solubility: Partially soluble in water; bitter glycosides are water-soluble and heat-stable
Extraction Ratio: Available in various ratios (4:1, 10:1) and as standardized extracts
Our process is optimized to preserve the delicate secoiridoid glycosides:
Sustainable Cultivation & Harvest: Gentiana lutea roots are harvested after 4-7 years of growth when bitter glycoside content is maximal. Only mature plants are selected .
Cleaning & Drying: Roots are thoroughly washed, sorted, and gently shade-dried or low-temperature dried to preserve heat-sensitive amarogentin.
Size Reduction: Dried roots are milled to a uniform particle size to optimize extraction efficiency or to produce fine powder.
Powder Processing (for whole root powder): The dried roots are milled into a fine, consistent gentian root powder using specialized equipment that prevents excessive heat generation, then sieved for uniform particle size.
Extraction & Standardization (for extract powder): For concentrated gentian root extract, the powder undergoes hydroethanolic extraction to enrich gentiopicroside content, followed by low-temperature concentration and spray drying .
Quality Verification: Each batch is tested for gentiopicroside content (via HPLC), bitterness value (organoleptic assay), microbial safety, and heavy metals.
Gentian Root Powder is valued for its scientifically-documented digestive and bitter-tonic properties:
Stimulates Digestive Secretions & Appetite*: Gentian root activates bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, triggering a parasympathetic reflex that increases gastric acid, pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, and bile flow. This supports healthy digestion, reduces postprandial fullness, and stimulates appetite in individuals with reduced intake .
Supports Healthy Liver & Gallbladder Function*: The bitter glycosides have cholagogue properties, promoting bile secretion from the gallbladder, which aids in fat digestion and supports detoxification pathways .
Promotes Nutrient Absorption*: By improving digestive secretions, gentian root supplement helps optimize the absorption of nutrients from food, particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals .
Provides Antioxidant & Hepatoprotective Activity*: The xanthones (gentisin, isogentisin) and phenolic compounds in gentian powder provide free radical scavenging activity and have been shown to protect liver cells from oxidative damage .
Supports Healthy Gut Motility*: Enhanced gastric and biliary secretions help normalize gut transit without central nervous system stimulation, relieving symptoms of slow digestion and constipation .
Traditional Bitter Tonic for Convalescence*: Gentian root has been used historically to restore appetite and digestive strength in individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or prolonged stress .
Gentian Root Powder is a versatile ingredient for digestive wellness products:
Dietary Supplements
Digestive bitter capsules and tablets for postprandial support
Appetite stimulation formulas for convalescence and elderly nutrition
Liver and gallbladder health complexes
Gentle digestive enzyme booster formulations
Liquid Herbal Products
Traditional bitter tinctures and digestive bitters (alcohol-based or glycerites)
Gentian root extract for liquid supplements and drops
Functional Foods & Beverages
Digestive bitter shots and elixirs (flavor-masked or as a intended bitter experience)
Herbal teas and tisanes for after-meal digestion
Traditional & Herbal Formulations
Key ingredient in European herbal medicine digestive bitters blends
Component in practitioner-grade gastrointestinal wellness formulas
Greenherb is your trusted partner for premium, traditionally-valued gentian root powder. Whether you need gentian root extract for liquid digestive bitters, gentian powder for capsule formulations, or a reliable gentian root supplement ingredient for digestive wellness products, we provide the purity, potency, and documentation needed for successful product development. Our gentian root supplement ingredients are available in whole powder, standardized extract, and custom formats to suit your specific formulation requirements.
Contact us today to discuss your needs, request samples and analytical data, or receive a detailed quote for your project.
Greenherb — delivering the intensely bitter, time-honored digestive wisdom of Europe's king of bitters.
