Herb's Introduction
Swertia angustifolia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, belonging to the family Gentianaceae, is an annual herb of significant traditional medicinal value, particularly in the Himalayan region, including Nepal. It is often referred to as a substitute or adulterant for the more potent Swertia chirayita (Chiretta) due to its milder bitter properties (the folk name "Mithaa Kiryaat" translates to 'sweet Chiretta'). Despite being considered inferior to S. chirayita in its bitter tonic properties, it is recognized in its own right in various traditional medicine systems for treating a range of ailments. The plant's action is generally described as a bitter tonic, febrifuge (fever-reducing), and is used for stomachic and anthelmintic purposes. Chemical analysis of its aerial parts has revealed the presence of important compounds like ursolic acid, xanthones (including several tetra- and pentaoxygenated types), and beta-sitosterol, which contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Swertia angustifolia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Family: Gentianaceae Folk/Local Names: Pahaari Kiretta, Mithaa (sweet) Kiryaat (Indic names, reflecting its use as a milder substitute for Kiryaat/Chiretta) Chiretta, Narrow-Leaved Swertia (English) Chiraito, Bhale Chiraito (Nepali - 'Bhale' can imply a secondary or male form compared to the primary S. chirayita) Khalu (Newari) Khupli (Rai) Leketite (Doteli) 狭叶獐牙菜 (xiá yè zhāng yá cài - Chinese)
Terminology
Family (Gentianaceae): A family of flowering plants known for often having intensely bitter tastes due to the presence of secondary metabolites like iridoid glycosides and xanthones, which provide significant medicinal properties. Bitter Tonic: A substance, often herbal, characterized by a bitter taste that stimulates digestive secretions like saliva and gastric juices, thereby improving appetite and digestion. Febrifuge: A medicine or substance that reduces fever. Stomachic: A medicine that is good for the stomach, promoting digestion and appetite. Anthelmintic: A substance that expels parasitic worms (helminths) from the body. Xanthones: A class of organic compounds found in the plant, known for various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. Ursolic acid and Beta-sitosterol: Other key chemical constituents with reported anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Availability
Distribution: Swertia angustifolia is widely distributed in the mountainous regions of Asia. Its range includes the Himalayas (from Kashmir to Bhutan), Northern India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Southern China. Habitat: It is typically found at altitudes ranging from approximately 100 meters to 3300 meters above sea level, in various habitats such as marshes, grasslands, swamp meadows, and both open and shady places. Conservation Status & Trade: Like many medicinally important Swertia species, it is often harvested from the wild. While Swertia chirayita is listed as a vulnerable species, S. angustifolia is sometimes used as a substitute or adulterant for the superior Chiretta, leading to its exploitation and trade. It is used in Ayurvedic and Amchi medicine systems. In some parts of its range, it is considered an endangered medicinal plant prioritized for conservation.
External Look
Habit: An erect annual or biennial herb, typically growing to a height of 20 to 80 cm, sometimes up to 90 cm. Stem: The stems are generally erect, subquadrangular (four-angled), and often narrowly winged on the angles. They are branched, especially in the upper parts. Leaves: The leaves are sessile (stalkless) and have a characteristic shape described as linear-lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, measuring about 2-6 cm long and 3-12 mm wide, with 1-3 prominent veins. The name angustifolia refers to its narrow leaves. Inflorescence: The flowers are borne in terminal and axillary clusters forming a paniculate inflorescence (a branched cluster of flowers). Flowers: The flowers are generally small, 4-merous (having parts in fours). The calyx (sepals) lobes are linear-lanceolate, often nearly equal in length to the corolla (petals). The corolla is typically white or pale yellow with characteristic brown spots or veins, although some variants may exhibit showy purple or bluish-white flowers. Each corolla lobe has a single nectary, which is pocket-shaped and often has a scale and minute hairy fimbriae (fringes) at the apex. Fruit: The fruit is an ovoid capsule, containing numerous small, brown, ellipsoid seeds.
Healing Properties
Bitter Tonic and Digestive: Its intense bitterness stimulates appetite, aids digestion, and is useful for treating dyspepsia (indigestion) and stomach disorders. Febrifuge/Antipyretic: Traditionally and commonly used to treat various types of fevers, including malarial fever and chronic fevers, acting as a cooling agent. Anthelmintic: Possesses properties to help expel intestinal worms. Hepatoprotective: Used traditionally for liver disorders, jaundice, and gallbladder problems. Its use is attributed to its ability to protect the liver. Blood Purifier/Alterative: Considered a blood-cleanser in traditional systems, used for various skin diseases with burning sensations, oozing, and itching, such as eczema and pimples. Other Properties: It is also noted for its potential anti-diabetic (helps regulate blood sugar), anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal) activities, largely attributed to the xanthones it contains.
Advantages
Versatile Traditional Use: It is a valuable herb in traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Amchi) for a wide spectrum of conditions, from fevers and digestive issues to skin problems and liver support. Substitute for S. chirayita: Although milder, its availability and similar chemical profile make it a feasible, and sometimes more accessible, substitute or adulterant for the critically endangered S. chirayita. Specific Chemical Components: The presence of xanthones, ursolic acid, and beta-sitosterol points to measurable pharmacological activity, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Distribution: Its wider geographical distribution and ability to grow at varying altitudes (100-3300m) may make it more resilient and easier to source than the high-altitude specialist S. chirayita.
Uses
Traditional Medicine: The whole plant, including the roots and aerial parts, is used as a bitter tonic, febrifuge, and stomachic. Fevers: Specifically used for treating intermittent, chronic, and malarial fevers. Gastrointestinal Health: Effective in strengthening the stomach, promoting its action, and treating issues like dyspepsia, diarrhea, and intestinal worms. Liver and Gallbladder: Used to remedy gallbladder problems and various liver disorders. Respiratory/Cold Symptoms: Employed in treating respiratory tract problems, asthma, colds, coughs, and flu. Skin Diseases: Used externally (in decoction added to a bath) or internally to treat skin rashes and diseases, acting as a blood purifier. Other Ailments: Applied in treating diabetes, urinary complaints, general weakness, and certain mental disorders.
Using way
The most common ways to use Swertia angustifolia in traditional systems are: Infusion (Tea): The dried whole plant (or cut pieces of the stem, leaves, and roots) is steeped in hot water. This infusion is typically taken as a bitter tonic and febrifuge. For fevers, it is often prepared with aromatics like cloves or cinnamon to mask the bitterness. Dosage (General Infusion): An infusion can be taken in doses, such as 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tablespoons) or 60 ml (4 tablespoons) twice a day, usually before meals, for general tonic purposes or to stimulate digestion. Decoction: The plant material is boiled in water until the volume is reduced. This stronger preparation is used for treating conditions like severe fevers (malarial fever), or as a powerful tonic. External Use: A decoction can be added to a bath to help treat skin rashes and burning sensations. Paste: A paste of the plant may be prepared and applied topically to treat skin diseases such as eczema and pimples. Tincture: The herb can be steeped in alcohol to create a tincture, which is also a common form of administration, particularly in some Western pharmacopeias that included Chiretta (S. chirayita). Note: As this is a substitute with potentially inferior bitter tonic properties to S. chirayita, the traditional usage often mirrors that of the latter, but a qualified practitioner should always determine appropriate dosage and method.
Conclusion
Swertia angustifolia, known in Nepal and surrounding regions as Bhale Chiraito or Mithaa Kiryaat, is an essential medicinal plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. While it is pharmacologically milder than its famous relative, Swertia chirayita, it holds a firm place in traditional medicine as a versatile, bitter tonic, febrifuge, and remedy for digestive, liver, and skin ailments. Its medicinal efficacy is supported by its chemical composition, notably the presence of xanthones and ursolic acid. Given its widespread use and status as a substitute, conservation and sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure its continued availability, particularly to prevent its over-exploitation as an adulterant, and to preserve the traditional knowledge surrounding its independent therapeutic applications.
