Swertia tenuis

Swertiia tenuis, commonly known as Swertia, is a perennial herb highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine. Renowned for its bitter principles, it serves as a potent digestive tonic and liver stimulant. Often used to treat fevers and metabolic disorders, this plant plays a vital role in traditional holistic healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Swertia tenuis
  • Family: Gentianaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Gentianales and falls into the family Gentianaecae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Swertia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Gentianaceae WCVP
Genus Swertia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Swertia tenuis, is known by several common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 细瘦獐牙菜 (zh), 细瘦獐牙菜 (zh-hans), and 细瘦獐牙菜 (zh-cn).
Language Common Name Source
zh 细瘦獐牙菜 Wikidata
zh-hans 细瘦獐牙菜 Wikidata
zh-cn 细瘦獐牙菜 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within certain regions of Asia. In China, it is notably found throughout the South-Central areas. Furthermore, its presence extends into the high-altitude regions of Tibet. These locations define the primary natural habitats where the species can be sourced. Consequently, the plant's range is limited to these specific mountainous and subtropical territories.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Tibet WCVP

Chemicals

Swertia tenuis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gentiopicroside, sweroside, swertiamarin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
gentiopicroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sweroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
swertiamarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆