[4] Some species bear very showy purple and blue flowers.

[5][6] Many members of this genus have medicinal and cultural purposes.

[10] Swerilactones from Swertia mileensis showed anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro.

[11] Swertia is used in Indian Ayurvedic Herbal System to cure Fever as in Laghu sudarshana churna, Maha sudarshan Churna and in Tibetan folk medicine.

[12][full citation needed] It is also one of the most widely used medicinal plants of Sikkim, and is considered Vulnerable based on IUCN CAMP Criteria.