Though its scientific name is still unresolved, Chirata (Swertia chirayita) is an annual plant from the Himalayas that can grow up to about 3 feet tall, and is well-known in Ayurvedic medicine
As a member of the Gentian family, Chirata is used for a weak stomach, aiding digestion and helping to ease indigestion and bloating.
Similar in some of its chemistry with Gentian, Chirata is used as a liver and restorative tonic.
The whole plant is intensely bitter due to secoiridoid and xanthone constituents such as amarogentin, swerchirin, and swertiamarin, which are considered key to its medicinal action.
Chirata is also used internally as a brain tonic for improving memory and cognition.
Topically, Chirata is being promoted in cosmetics or personal care products with “plant stem cell technology” or through its blood purifying properties to improve the youthfulness, tone and texture of the skin.
Chirata a has a long traditional medicinal use in several cultures, documented in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems, as well as listed in the Indian pharmaceutical codex, the British and American pharmacopeias.
Although it has a wide use through many cultures for several different types of conditions, it is most widely used for hepatitis, inflammation, malaria, diabetes and digestive diseases.
Due to its medicinal demand, there are now concerns on overharvesting and the sustainability of its population.
Through scientific investigation, Chirata has been found to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities.
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