Centaurium erythraea is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common names common centaury and European centaury.

Description

This is an erect biennial herb which reaches half a meter in height. It grows from a small basal rosette and bolts a leafy, erect stem which may branch. The triangular leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and the erect inflorescences emerge from the stem and grow parallel to it, sometimes tangling with the foliage. Each inflorescence may contain many flowers. The petite flower is pinkish-lavender and about a centimeter across, flat-faced with yellow anthers. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule. It flowers from June until September.

Distribution and habitat

This centaury is a widespread plant of Europe (including Scotland, Sweden and Mediterranean countries ) and parts of western Asia and northern Africa. It has also naturalised in parts of North America, New Zealand, and eastern Australia, where it is an introduced species. It grows in fields and roadsides.

Taxonomy

It is also commonly known as “feverfoullie”, “gentian” or “centaury”.

Uses

The European centaury is mainly prepared as a tisane for use in traditional medicine.

Chemical constituents

C. erythraea contains phenolic acids, including ferulic and sinapic acids, as well as sterols (as brassicasterol and stigmasterol), secoiridoid and the glycosides, swertiamarin, and sweroside.

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