Isatis root extract is derived from the same plant from which indigo dye is made. It has been used in combination with other botanicals in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for a variety of conditions. In animal tests, it reduced inflammation and fever. Other lab experiments show that isatis extract can kill certain viruses and counteract some symptoms and tissue damage from bacterial infections, but it remains uncertain whether these same effects occur in humans.
Lab studies of indirubin, an active compound in isatis, suggest it might stop cell duplication and may be useful in cancer treatment. A small study in humans indicates that an isatis root extract solution may help reduce radiation-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients, but more studies are needed.
Isatis leaf has both similar and different properties from isatis root
Isatis Root
- Ban Lan Gen
- Indigo wood
- Chinese indigo
- Woad root