Felwort

Swertia

Swertia is a plant traditionally associated with the Himalayan region. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, it has been studied for various potential health benefits. Scientific research indicates that Swertia mussotii contains novel compounds such as swertimusins A‒D, which show some anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, erythrocentaurin from this plant was found to significantly inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and reverse 55 metabolites in models, while also suppressing the NF-κB pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Phylogenetic studies using rbcL and trnH-psbA markers have provided reliable species identification for endemic Himalayan plant species, including Swertia mussotii. In a study involving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats, treatment with Swertia mussotii reduced body weight, serum lipids, hepatic lipid accumulation, liver inflammation, and oxidative stress, while also restoring metabolic pathways. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Four pairs of novel compounds, swertimusins A‒D, were identified from Swertia mussotii, showing some anti-inflammatory activity. D PMID
  • Erythrocentaurin significantly inhibited HBV replication, reversed 55 metabolites, and suppressed the NF-κB pathway in both in vivo and in vitro models. D PMID
  • The study found that rbcL and trnH-psbA markers provided reliable species identification and phylogenetic resolution for endemic plant species in the western Himalayas. D PMID
  • Swertia mussotii treatment reduced body weight, lipid levels, liver inflammation, and oxidative stress, and restored metabolic pathways while activating SIRT1/AMPK in NAFLD rats. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Felwort?

Felwort (Swertia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Felwort?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Felwort; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Four pairs of novel compounds, swertimusins A‒D, were identified from Swertia mussotii, showing some anti-inflammatory activity.

How strong is the evidence for Felwort?

The strongest finding for Felwort carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Felwort safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Felwort in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Felwort interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Felwort in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Felwort?

Felwort is also known as: сверция, Swertie.

Is Felwort a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Untargeted Metabolomic Study of the Anti-HBV Effects of Erythrocentaurin In Vitro and In Vivo Using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism Underlying Swertia mussotii Treatment on Rats With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Discovery of swertimusins A‒D: Four pairs of rearranged nor-secoiridoid derivatives with a hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan ring from Swertia mussotii. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 DNA barcoding and phylogenetic insights into the selected endemic flora of the Western Himalayas. literature abstract metadata