Background: Gentiana lutea (GL), commonly known as yellow gentian, bitter root, and bitterwort, belongs to family Gentianaceae. GL belongs to genus Gentiana, which is a rich natural source of iridoids, secoiridoids, xantones, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carbohydrates. Medicinal plants from Gentiana species have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mitogenic, anti-proliferative, and lipid-lowering effects, as well as a cardioprotective, hypotensive, vasodilator and anti-platelet activities.

Objective: We reviewed the recent literature related to the effects of Gentiana species, and their active components on vascular diseases.

Methods: Data used for this review were obtained by searching the electronic database [PUBMED/MEDLINE 1973 - February 2020]. The primary data search terms of interest were: Gentiana lutea, Gentienacea family, phytochemistry, vascular diseases, treatment of vascular diseases, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic.

Conclusion: Gentiana species and their constituents affect many different factors related to vascular disease development and progression. Therefore, Gentiana-based therapeutics represent potentially useful drugs for the management of vascular diseases.

Keywords: Gentiana lutea; Gentienacea family; anti-atherogenic; anti-inflammatory; anti-oxidant; phytochemistry; treatment ofvascular diseases; vascular diseases.