How It Works
Bottom Line: Indirubin has been used in China as part of a herbal prescription to fight Leukemia. While some laboratory studies demonstrate an effect against Leukemia cells, randomized clinical trials are needed to demonstrate efficacy. Indirubin is derived from the Indigo Plant (
Isatis Root,
Isatis Leaf). It is used as part of a traditional Chinese herbal prescription called
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan, which is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Studies have shown that the substance can help keep cancer cells from reproducing in rats. Indirubin also appears to reduce inflammation by inhibiting part of the immune response. In addition to being extracted from the plant, Indirubin may also be created synthetically in the laboratory.
Purported Uses
To treat chronic myelogenous leukemia
Laboratory and animal studies support this use, however clinical trials in humans are lacking.
To reduce inflammation
Animal studies support this use, however it is unclear if the substance has similar effects in humans.
Research Evidence
Limited clinical trials in humans are available.
Side Effects
mild to severe nausea
vomiting
abdominal pain
diarrhea
headache
edema
In long-term treated patients, blood flow to the heart and lungs may be affected.
Special Point
Meisoindigo, which is derived from Indirubin, has been shown to have similar properties.
This product is not currently sold as a dietary supplement and is only available for laboratory study.
Scientific Name
Indigofera tinctoria
Clinical Summary
Extracted from the Indigo plant (Isatis Root, Isatis Leaf). Indirubin is a minor constituent of a well-known traditional Chinese prescription, Dang Gui Long Hui Wan used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Numerous studies have demonstrated that Indirubin inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases in tumor cells (1) (2), however further clinical trials are needed to confirm its role in the treatment of CML. Indirubin has anti-inflammatory effects in animals (3). Meisoindigo, a metabolite of Indirubin has also been shown to have similar properties (4).
Purported uses
- Cancer treatment
- Inflammation
Mechanism of Action
Indirubin inhibits DNA synthesis in rats. Indirubin inhibits cell proliferation in the late-G1 and G2/M phase by selectively inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)
(4) through the interaction with the kinase's ATP-binding site
(2). Indirubin may also play a role in inhibiting the assembly of microtubules, further reducing the rate of cell reproduction
(5). Indirubin's anti-inflammatory effects appear to come from an inhibition of interferon-gamma
(3). Indirubin is a minor constituent of
Indigofera tinctoria, however a synthetic form of the substance was shown to have similar effectiveness against CML
(6) (7).
Adverse Reactions
Reported (Oral): Mild to severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache and edema. A few patients were found to have pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiac insufficiency following long-term treatment (4).
Literature Summary and Critique
Limited clinical study data is available.
References
- Marko D, Schatzle S, Friedel A, Genzlinger A, Zankl H, Meijer L et al. Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) by indirubin derivatives in human tumour cells. Br.J Cancer 2001;84:283-9.
- Hoessel R, Leclerc S, Endicott JA, Nobel ME, Lawrie A, Tunnah P et al. Indirubin, the active constituent of a Chinese antileukaemia medicine, inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases. Nat.Cell Biol. 1999;1:60-7.
- Kunikata T, Tatefuji T, Aga H, Iwaki K, Ikeda M, Kurimoto M. Indirubin inhibits inflammatory reactions in delayed-type hypersensitivity. Eur.J Pharmacol. 2000;410:93-100.
- Xiao Z, Hao Y, Liu B, Qian L. Indirubin and meisoindigo in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in China. Leuk.Lymphoma 2002;43:1763-8.
- Steriti R. Nutritional support for chronic myelogenous and other leukemias: a review of the scientific literature. Altern.Med Rev. 2002;7:404-9.
- Han R. Highlight on the studies of anticancer drugs derived from plants in China. Stem Cells 1994;12:53-63.
- Zhang JT. New drugs derived from medicinal plants. Therapie 2002;57:137-50.
