Indigo - Uses and Side Effects

Indigo has been used as an emetic, to purity the liver, reduce inflammation and fever, to alleviate pain, and to treat numerous other ailments from hemorrhoids to scorpion bites. During fermentation of the leaves, indigo is derived from indican, a glucoside constituent of several Indigofera species. Little is known about the pharmacologic effects of the herb. Indigo has emetic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.

Reported uses

Indigo is used as an emetic; 1. tinctoria, in particular, is used to treat nematodal infections and malignancies of the ovaries or stomach. Synthetic indigo has commonly been used intravenously or intramuscularly to test kidney function, and used during cystoscopy. In Chinese medicine, indigo is used to detoxify the liver and the blood, reduce inflammation and fever, and relieve pain. Throughout the world, indigo is still used commercially for dyeing wool and cotton.

Administration

The administration of indigo for medicinal purposes isn't well documented.

Hazards

Indigo may cause mild ocular irritation. Pregnant patients should avoid use because some species of Indigofera have teratogenic effects; breast-feeding patients should also avoid use. Any patient using indigo should use it with caution because data regarding its effects are lacking.

Safety Risk Use of indigo can lead to hepatotoxicity and mild ocular irritation.

Clinical considerations

With the exception of I. tinctoria many of the other Indigofera species are hepatotoxic. I. spicata has caused cleft palate and embryonic death when used by pregnant women.

If patient is pregnant or breast-feeding, advise her not to use indigo.

Advise patient to use indigo with caution because of risk of liver toxicity.

Advise patient to keep indigo away from children and pets.

Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he is taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Safety Risk Don't confuse this herbal produce w ith false, wild, or bastard indigo (Baptisia tinctoria).

Research summary

Although indigo has been used for centuries, the concepts behind its use and the claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been validated scientifically.

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