Common names | Hercampuri
Scientific name | Gentianella alborosea
Used part | Leaf
Known active compounds | amarogentin, alborosin 

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-microbial 

Product name | Hercampuri-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Gentianella alborosea, commonly known as hercampuri, is a small shrub native to the Andes of Peru, which is used as an infusion in Peruvian folk medicine. It is one of two types of hercampuri, with the other type being G. nitida. It has long been used in Peru to treat hepatitis and hypertension, and to reduce blood cholesterol. It has also been used for obesity, circulation, liver ailments, and as a digestive agent. The infusion of hercampuri is one of the most bitter flavors of all herbs.

 

The active compounds found in G. alborosea are flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides. G. alborosea is known to contain a secoiridoid glycoside, amarogentin, which is the most bitter substance known. A sesterterpenoid compound, alborosin was also isolated from G. alborosea. The methanolic extract of this plant shows free radical scavenging activities and cell apoptotic effect on tumor cell line (HeLa). G. alborosea also shows anti-microbial activities against Staphylococcus aureus.