Chirata
Scientific names: Swertia chirayita, Swertia chirata, Gentiana chirata, Gentiana chirayita
Family: Gentianaceae
Alternate names: Anaryatikta, Bhunimba, Bitter Stick, Bitterstick, Chiaravata, Chiraita, Chiratitka, Chirayta, Chiretta, Chirette des Indes, Chirrato, East Indian Balmony, Genciana de la India, Indian Bolonong, Indian Gentian, Kairata, Kirata, Qasabuzzarirah, Sekhagi, Yin Du Zhang Ya Cai
Actions: Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antileishmanial, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Central nervous system (CNS), Enzyme inhibition efects, Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, Urinary
Background
Chirata is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground and the root to make medicine.
Some people take chirata by mouth for fever, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, intestinal worms, skin diseases, liver inflammation, stomach inflammation, and cancer. Chirata is also taken by mouth for seizures, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, hiccups, or in combination with other medications for scorpion bites.
In India, it has been used for malaria, when combined with the seeds of divi-divi.
In manufacturing, chirata is used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Some people take chirata by mouth for fever, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, intestinal worms, skin diseases, liver inflammation, stomach inflammation, and cancer. Chirata is also taken by mouth for seizures, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, hiccups, or in combination with other medications for scorpion bites.
In India, it has been used for malaria, when combined with the seeds of divi-divi.
In manufacturing, chirata is used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Safety Safety definitions
When Chirata is normally consumed as a flavoring agent in foods. But there isn't enough information available to know if chirata is safe when used for any other purpose.
Diabetes. Chirata might lower blood sugar levels in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use chirata as a medicine.
Intestinal (duodenal) ulcers: Chirata can make ulcers in the intestine worse.
Surgery. Chirata might lower blood sugar. In theory, chirata might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using chirata as a medicine at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chirata is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Diabetes. Chirata might lower blood sugar levels in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use chirata as a medicine.
Intestinal (duodenal) ulcers: Chirata can make ulcers in the intestine worse.
Surgery. Chirata might lower blood sugar. In theory, chirata might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using chirata as a medicine at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Fever.
- Malaria.
- Constipation.
- Worm infestation.
- Upset stomach.
- Loss of appetite.
- Skin disease.
- Cancer.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of chirata for use as treatment 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 chirata. 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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Chirata might lower blood sugar in some people. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking chirata as a medicine along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Chirata might lower blood sugar. Using it as a medicine along with other herbs and supplements that have this same effect might increase the risk of blood sugar dropping too low in some people. Some of these products include devil's claw, fenugreek, guar gum, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and others.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Chirata contains chemicals that may fight infections, but more information is needed.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 28/10/2020 01:53:51. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
