ISATIS: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Isatis (Isatis tinctoria) is a plant with small yellow flowers. It grows in China. The leaves and roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Isatis may reduce fever and swelling. It also contains chemicals that might keep cancer cells from multiplying.

People use isatis for aging skin, scaly itchy skin (psoriasis), diarrhea, prostate cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). Applying a specific product containing an isatis leaf extract in olive oil (Lindioil) to the fingernails might improve nail psoriasis.

There is interest in using isatis for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if isatis is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Isatis is possibly safe when used appropriately, short-term. A specific product containing an isatis leaf extract called indigo naturalis in olive oil (Lindioil) has been used safely for 24 weeks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if isatis is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Aspirin allergy: Isatis contains chemicals that are similar to the chemicals in aspirin. Isatis might trigger an asthma attack or an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.

Interactions

We currently have no information for ISATIS overview.

Dosing

A specific isatis extract called indigo naturalis in olive oil (Lindioil) has most often been applied to the nails and the skin beneath the edge of the nail in amounts of 0.05-0.1 mL twice daily for 24 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Danz H, Stoyanova S, Thomet OA, et al. Inhibitory activity of tryptanthrin on prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. Planta Med 2002;68:875-80. View abstract.

Hamburger M. Isatis tinctoria - From the rediscovery of an ancient medicinal plant towards a novel anti-inflammatory phytopharmaceutical. Phytochemistry Reviews 2002;1:333-44.

Ho YL, Chang YS. Studies on the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti pyretic effects of Isatis indigotica root. Phytomedicine 2002;9:419-24. View abstract.

Hoessel R, Leclerc S, Endicott JA, et al. Indirubin, the active constituent of a Chinese antileukaemia medicine, inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases. Nat Cell Biol 1999;1:60-7. View abstract.

Kim JH, Gao D, Jeong WS, et al. Anti-Wrinkle Effect of Isatis indigotica Leaf Extract: Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammation, and Clinical Activity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021;10(9):1339. View abstract.

Lin YK, Chang YC, Hui RC, See LC, Chang CJ, Yang CH, Huang YH. A Chinese Herb,Indigo Naturalis, Extracted in Oil (Lindioil) Used Topically to Treat Psoriatic Nails: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Mar 4. Epub ahead of print. View abstract.

Lin YK, See LC, Huang YH, et al. Efficacy and safety of Indigo naturalis extract in oil (Lindioil) in treating nail psoriasis: a randomized, observer-blind, vehicle-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2014;21(7):1015-20. View abstract.

Lin YK, Yen HR, Wong WR, et al. Successful treatment of pediatric psoriasis with Indigo naturalis composite ointment. Pediatr Dermatol 2006;23:507-10. View abstract.

Mak NK, Leung CY, Wei XY, et al. Inhibition of RANTES expression by indirubin in influenza virus-infected human bronchial epithelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2004;67:167-74. View abstract.

Molina P, Tarraga A, Gonzalez-Tejero A, et al. Inhibition of leukocyte functions by the alkaloid isaindigotone from Isatis indigotica and some new synthetic derivatives. J Nat Prod 2001;64:1297-300. View abstract.

Oberthur C, Graf H, Hamburger M. The content of indigo precursors in Isatis tinctoria leaves--a comparative study of selected accessions and post-harvest treatments. Phytochemistry 2004;65:3261-8. View abstract.

Xu T, Zhang L, Sun X, et al. Production and analysis of organic acids in hairy-root cultures of Isatis indigotica Fort. (indigo woad). Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2004;39:123-8. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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