Chirata (Swertia chirayita) is a plant known for its bitter taste. It's native to the Himalayan region and traditionally used as medicine.
Chirata contains chemicals that may fight some bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It might also have effects that lower blood sugar.
People use chirata for asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using chirata for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Chirata is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if chirata is safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chirata is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Intestinal ulcers. Chirata might make ulcers in the intestine worse.
Surgery. Chirata might lower blood sugar. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using chirata as a medicine at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Chirata might lower blood sugar levels. Taking chirata along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Chirata might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chirata might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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