How It Works
Bottom Line: Isatis root has not been tested in clinical trials, so it is not known if it works in humans.
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 and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. In animal tests, this root extract reduced inflammation, fever, and perception of pain. Isatis root also was able to stimulate the immune system of laboratory mice by enhancing the activity of the reticuloendothelial system (the stationary immune cells in the liver, spleen, and other tissues that swallow and destroy foreign particles as they pass in the bloodstream). Laboratory studies have also suggested that indirubin, an active component of isatis root, inhibits the replication of dividing cells and therefore may be useful in cancer treatment. In the laboratory setting, isatis extracts are able to kill certain viruses and counteract the effects of endotoxin, which causes some of the symptoms and tissue damage of bacterial infections. However, this botanical has not yet been evaluated in clinical trials and therefore it remains uncertain whether these effects occur in the human body.
Purported 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
Laboratory research suggests that isatis root has anti-viral and immune-stimulating activity, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can effectively treat the common cold.
To prevent and treat cancer
Laboratory studies show that an active compound in isatis root, indirubin, inhibits the replication of dividing cells. This herb is used in China in combination with other botanicals to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). There is no evidence from clinical trials that isatis root can prevent or treat cancer.
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
Laboratory research shows that isatis root has anti-viral activity, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can effectively treat viral infections.
To prevent and treat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Although laboratory research shows that isatis root has anti-viral activity, is has not been established whether this effect occurs in the human body. No studies in humans have been performed to verify the anecdotal reports that isatis might be helpful in warding off SARS.
Research Evidence
No clinical trials have studied isatis root to determine whether it is safe or effective.
Warnings
- The effect of isatis root on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is not known. It should be noted that reliance solely on herbal supplements as prevention or treatment may induce a false sense of security from this deadly disease. Patients with suspected SARS should limit interactions outside the home. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing and wearing a surgical mask should be used to prevent the spread of SARS.
- This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Do Not Take If
You have a "weak constitution" (textbooks of Traditional Chinese Medicine warn against giving isatis root to "weak" patients. Although this is a description and concept that is fitting in the context and philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is no counterpart in conventional medicine, so we have translated it as patients with a "weak constitution.")
Side Effects
None known
Special Point
Although recent anecdotal reports have suggested that isatis root can be used to ward off Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), scientific verification of such effects is lacking, since SARS is a newly discovered disease.
Scientific Name
Radix isatidis baphicacanthi, Isatis tinctoria, Isatis indigotica
Common Name
Ban Lan Gen
Brand Name
Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root of the isatis plant, which is a source of indigo dye. This botanical has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It is used in combination with other herbs to treat the common cold, sore throat, mumps, respiratory aliments, other febrile diseases and malignant tumors
(1) (2). The
leaves of this plant are one of the eight ingredients used in
PC-SPES, an herbal formula used to treat prostate cancer. This herb is also used in Danggui Longhui Wan, a formula used to treat chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in China
(8). Studies indicate that isatis plant has antimicrobial, antiviral
(1) (9) and immunostimulatory effects
(8). Recent anecdotal reports indicate that isatis root can be used to ward off Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
(4). Scientific study to verify such effect is lacking as SARS is a newly discovered disease. The connection is made mainly because isatis root has antiviral activities and has been used for other respiratory diseases. A classic Chinese medicine textbook points out that isatis root is not indicated in feeble patients
(1). There are no known side effects or toxicities reported relating to the consumption of isatis root.
Purported uses
Bronchitis
Cancer treatment
Chest congestion
Common cold
Fever
Infections
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Viral infections
Constituents
Indirubin
Indoxyl-beta-glucoside
Beta-sitosterol
Isatin
Amino acids: Arginine, glutamine, proline, tyrosine.
(1) (2)
Mechanism of Action
Isatis root extract has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antinociceptive effects on animals.
(3) Extracts obtained from the dried leaves of isatis have cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory effects.
(5) Isatis root also has immunostimulatory effects by enhancing reticuloendothelial system function. Indirubin, an active component of isatis, is a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). It inhibits the proliferation of cells by arresting the cells in the G2/M phase.
(8) Other alkaloids isolated from isatis can inhibit leukocyte function and reduce inflammatory response.
(6) Some studies show that isatis also has antiendotoxic and antiviral activities.
(9)
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of this substance has not been evaluated.
Warnings
The effect of isatis or Ban Lan Gen on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is not known. Patients are warned that reliance solely on herbal supplements as prevention or treatment may induce a false sense of security from this deadly disease. Patients with suspected SARS should limit interactions outside the home. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing and wearing a surgical mask should be used to prevent the spread of SARS.
(10)
Contraindications
A classic textbook in traditional Chinese medicine points out that isatis root is not indicated for feeble patients.
(1)
Adverse Reactions
None reported
Literature Summary and Critique
No clinical trials have been performed with this botanical.
References
- Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Revised Ed. Seattle: Eastland Press; 1993.
- Hocking G. A Dictionary of Natural Products. Medford (NJ): Plexus Publishing Inc; 1997.
- Ho Y, Chang Y. Studies on the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti pyretic effects of Isatis indigotica root. Phytomedicine 2002;9:419-24.
- Saulny S. In Chinatown, An Outbreak of Fear. The New York Times 2003;April 4:D1
- Danz H, et al. Identification and isolation of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory principle in Isatis tinctoria. Planta Med 2001;67:411-6.
- Molina P, 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.
- Xu YM, Lu PC. Experimental studies on immunostimulatory effects of the Isatis indigotica polysaccharide. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1991;11:357-9, 325-6.
- Hoessel R, et al. Indirubin, the active constituent of a Chinese antileukaemia medicine, inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases. Nat Cell Biol 1999;1:60-7.
- Wang T, et al. Evaluation on antiendotoxic action and antiviral action in vitro of tetraploid Isatis indigotica. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2000;25:327-9.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Interim Guidance on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ic-closecontacts.htm [Accessed April 10, 2003]
