Swertia | |
---|---|
Swertia perennis | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Gentianaceae |
Subtribe: | Swertiinae |
Genus: | Swertia L. |
Type species | |
Swertia perennis L.
| |
Species | |
120–150; see text | |
Synonyms[1][2][3] | |
Probable synonyms
Possible synonyms
|
Swertia is a genus in the gentian family containing plants sometimes referred to as the felworts.[4] Some species bear very showy purple and blue flowers.[5][6] Many members of this genus have medicinal and cultural purposes.[7]
Plants of genus Frasera are sometimes considered part of this genus, sometimes as a separate genus, and sometimes as synonymous.
Species in the genus Swertia include, but are not limited to:[1][8]
Swertia contains the chemicals sawertiamarine, mangeferin and amarogenitine[9] 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-2,3,5,7-tetramethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxyl-2,3,4,6-tetramethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-2,3,4,7-tetramethoxyxanthone, 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone, 1,7-dihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxyxanthone, 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone, balanophonin, oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, and sumaresinolic acid.[10] Swerilactones from Swertia mileensis showed anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro.[11]
Swertia is used in Indian Ayurvedic Herbal System to cure Fever as in Laghu sudarshana churna, Maha sudarshan Churna and in Tibetan folk medicine.[12][full citation needed] It is also one of the most widely used medicinal plants of Sikkim, and is considered Vulnerable based on IUCN CAMP Criteria.[13]