GI Modifiers: Bitters

Summary

Gastrointestinal Modifiers: Bitters

definition:
Bitters (bitter principles) are a heterogeneous group of naturally occurring compounds, marked by their strong bitter taste and therapeutic importance rather than a chemical classification. "Bitterness value" is a rating system based on the amount of water in which a one gram extract of the compound can be diluted into and still retain a bitter taste. For example, if 1 gram in 20,000 milliliters of water can just be tasted then the bitterness value is rated as 20,000. Gentian root extract for example has a bitterness value of 58,000,000.
(Samuelson G, 1992. 153.)

chemistry of bitters:
The "classic bitters" are a widespread group of monoterpene glycosides known as the iridoid and secoiridoid glycosides found especially in the Gentianaceae. Most iridoids exist as glycosides, with a sugar molecule condensed to the lactone ring. Some bitter iridoid compounds exist in the free non-glycosidic form - e.g., the valepotriates of Valeriana spp. (Valerian root). Other bitters belong to the sesquiterpene series, or are of miscellaneous chemical structure such as the cyanogenic glycosides. Most alkaloids are bitter tasting: berberine from Hydrastis (Goldenseal) and Mahonia (Oregon Grape), caffeine from Coffea, and quinine from Cinchona spp. being characteristic. Rudolf Weiss distinguishes between "classical bitters" such as Gentian, and "warming pungent" bitters, such as Ginger or "aromatic" bitters such as Chamomile and Yarrow.
(Weiss R. 1988, 39.)

pharmacology of bitters:
Bitters act rapidly on the gastro-intestinal system as a general stimulatory "tonic." Secretion is stimulated and they increase, probably by vagal reflex action, the production of gastrin, pepsin and CKK. The net result is improvement in appetite and digestion. Salivary, gastric, duodenal, hepato-biliary, and pancreatic secretions are all stimulated. Sphincter tone is increased, particularly that of the lower esophageal sphincter. Bitter herbs may have other activities, including sedative, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, hypotensive, antipyretic and anti-depressant. Using herbs with combined actions, such as bitter-sedatives is a standard therapeutic practice in herbal medicine.
(Mills SY. 1991, 323.)

overview of pharmacokinetic interactions:
• mechanisms: In general, bitter herbs will increase gastric acidity which may modify the bioavailability of medications. This depends on the pK values of the particular drug. The general increase in digestive function may lead to heightened absorption of concurrently ingested pharmaceutical drugs. This could theoretically alter the toxicity of a particular dose level of a given drug. Bitters also stimulate bile production and secretion, and to a degree may stimulate other aspects of hepatic metabolism thus further modifying pharmacokinetics of drug metabolism.

• research: Studies and/or adverse reports on the pharmacokinetic interactions of bitter herbs with drugs are not available.

• herbal concern: Bitters may increase absorption of concurrently ingested medications.

See also Herb Group Pharmacokinetic: Hepatic Metabolism Modifiers



Herbs

Common herbs with significant bitter value:
(including alkaloidal, warming and pungent bitters)
• Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
• Acorus calamus (Sweet flag)
• Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
• Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
• Artemisia annuum (Sweet Annie)
• Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
• Centaurea spp. (Centaury)
• Cichorium intybus (Chicory)
• Cinchona spp. (Quinine) *
• Coffea arabica (Coffee)
• Cnicus benedictus (Holy Thistle)
• Cynara scolymus (Artichoke)
• Gentiana lutea (Gentian)
• Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw)
• Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
• Inula helenium (Elecampane)
• Lactusa virosa (Wild Lettuce)
• Mahonia spp. (Oregon Grape Root)
• Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
• Menyanthes trifoliata (Bogbean)
• Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
• Strychnos nux-vomica (Nux vomica) *
• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)
• Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
• Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
*toxic

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Do not rely solely on the information in this article.

The information presented in Interactions is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.


References

Mills SY. Out of the Earth (The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine). London, UK: Arkana, 1991.

Samuelson G. Drugs of Natural Origin, A Textbook of Pharmacognosy. Stockholm, Sweden: Swedish Pharmaceutical Press, 1992.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988.