Isatis root
Sold as Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji
Qualities Cold
Properties Antiviral, refrigerant
One of the most bitter herbs in TCM and is so cold it can make a person feel as if they have taken an ice cube in their stomach and can cause uncontrolled shivering. For this reason it’s only taken for short periods or combined with ginger.
USES
To treat bronchitis and relieve chest congestion
Laboratory research suggests that isatis root has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating activity, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can relieve bronchitis and chest congestion.
To treat the common cold
Although antiviral and immune-stimulating activity has been shown in lab studies, there is no proof from clinical trials that isatis root can effectively treat the common cold.
To prevent and treat cancer
Lab studies show that an active compound in isatis stops cell duplication, but there is no evidence from clinical trials that it can prevent or treat cancer. In China, isatis is used in combination with other botanicals to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia.
To reduce severity of radiation-induced mucositis
A small study in head and neck cancer patients suggested that a
specific isatis root extract solution could reduce severity of mucositis, anorexia, and difficulty swallowing in treated patients compared with a control group.
To reduce fever
Animal studies show that isatis root can reduce fever, but no clinical trials have been performed to test this use in humans.
To fight viral infections
Although isatis root has antiviral activity, there is no evidence from
clinical trials that it can effectively treat infections.
To treat bacterial conjunctivitis
One clinical study suggests that isatis root eyedrops may be effective to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. However, further study is needed to confirm this effect.
To prevent and treat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Although isatis root has antiviral activity, we do not know whether this effect occurs in the human body. No human studies have been performed to verify anecdotal reports that isatis may help to ward off SARS.
CLINICAL SUMMARY (SLOAN-KETTERING)
Isatis root is derived from the isatis plant and is a source of indigo dye. In both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, it is used in combination with isatis leaf and other herbs to treat the common cold, sore throat, mumps,
respiratory ailments, other febrile diseases, hepatitis, and malignant tumors . One such formula, Danggui Longhui Wan, is used in China to treat chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) . Isatis root has also been promoted to ward off severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
In vitro assays have identified specific compounds in isatis root with potential anti-SARS and anti-influenza activity , as well as cytotoxic activity against human liver cancer and leukemia cell lines . Several in vitro and animal studies also demonstrate antimicrobial , antiviral , anti-endotoxic , immunostimulatory , chemotherapeutic , and radioprotective effects . Animal models indicate anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antinociceptive effects.
In one clinical trial, isatis root eyedrops were an effective treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis . A small randomized study demonstrated the utility of an isatis root extract solution for significantly reducing severity of radiation mucositis, anorexia, and swallowing difficulty in head and neck cancer patients.
MECHANISM OF ACTION (SLOAN-KETTERING)
Isatis root exerts immunostimulatory effects by enhancing reticuloendothelial system function . Sinigrin and indigo have been identified as the compounds responsible for potential SARS inhibition . Clemastanin B, a major lignan compound in isatis, targets viral endocytosis, uncoating, and nuclear export of viral ribonucleoproteins . A crude extract of isatis root prevented influenza virus attachment to cells and therefore viral replication, but was inactive against respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus and enterovirus . Another component of isatis root demonstrates dosedependent anti-endotoxic effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of membrane-organizing extension spike protein, a main endotoxin receptor . Alkaloids isolated from isatis can inhibit leukocyte function and reduce inflammatory response . One animal study found that indigo root extract reduced tissue injury, enhanced hematopoietic system recovery, modulated serum inflammatory cytokines, and improved severe enteropathy in whole body irradiated mice.
An in vitro study also found that an ethanol extract of isatis root had a dose dependent cytotoxic effect against human leukemia HL-60 cells . Indirubin, an active component of isatis, inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and prevents proliferation by arresting cells in the G2/M phase.
Prep & Dose
Tincture Dried root (1:5, 75% alcohol); 1-3 ml 3 times daily