Common Name:

General Information

Swertia angustifolia is an annual herb with an erect, branched stem around 20 - 80cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often used as an adulterant, mixed with Swertia chirataya and traded under that name[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, northern Myanmar, southern and eastern China, Indo-China

Habitat

Shrublands, pasture, open slopes, streamsides, rocky areas, wastelands, edges of cultivated fields; at elevations from 100 - 3,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Swertia species are generally plants of moderate to high elevations where they are often found on damp slopes and humus-rich, peat mosses. They grow best in areas with cool summers and perennial species are generally cold-hardy to temperatures down to around -15°c[].
Swertia species generally grow well in humus-rich soils in damp, open woodland, by streams or in bog gardens[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Although considered to be of inferior use as a medicinal herb, Swertia angustifolia is often used as adulterant of Swertia chirayita[]. It is, however, also an ingredient in Ayurbvedic and Amchi medicine in its own right, and is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. It is applied in the treatment of fevers, to remedy gallbladder problems, to treat diabetes. respiratory tract problems, asthma, colds, coughs and flu[]. It is sometimes also employed as a blood purifier, bitter tonic and antioxidant, as a remedy for malaria, and to treat mental disorders and epilepsy[].

The plant contains tetraoxygenated and pentaoxygenated xanthones and xanthone 1-glucosides[].
The plant is traded mixed with Swertia chirayita[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in trays in spring in a humus-rich medium in temperatures not exceeding 10°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.