Angostura

Botanical

What is it

Angostura refers to the bark of Galipea officinalis (Angostura bark), a South American tree historically used in tonics and traditional medicine. It also gives its name to the famous bitters, although the modern Angostura aromatic bitters formula does not contain Angostura bark.

How it works

Angostura bark contains alkaloids (including galipine, cusparine) and bitter compounds that stimulate digestive secretions. Traditional uses include digestive support, fever, and as a tonic. Human clinical evidence is limited. Bitter principles in general can stimulate appetite and digestion, but specific clinical effects of Angostura bark have not been well characterized in modern research.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation. Traditional bitter tincture doses use a few drops to a teaspoon before meals.

When and how to take it

Traditional bitter tincture is taken before meals to stimulate appetite and digestion.

1 commercial form

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Angostura bark tincture

Traditional digestive bitter; less common in modern supplements.

Bitter principles act locally in mouth and stomach.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in small bitter-tincture doses. Higher doses can cause gastrointestinal upset and have an emetic effect. Quality varies between products.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in people with active ulcers or significant gastritis. Use cautiously with prescription medications.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antihypertensive and diabetes medications. Limited formal data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Angostura the same as Angostura bitters?⌄

The famous Angostura aromatic bitters takes its name from the city of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolivar). The modern bitters formula does not contain Angostura bark.

Is it safe?⌄

Small bitter-tincture doses are generally well tolerated. Higher doses can cause stomach upset and nausea. Avoid in pregnancy.

References

Angostura on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Angostura on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Angostura (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.