Related Terms

• Afrormosin, afrormosin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, aglycone texasin, alkaloid P2, alkaloid P4, alkaloids, American indigo, anagyrine, añil silvestre (Spanish), arabinogalactan protein, baptifoline, baptin, Baptisia arachnifera, Baptisia australis, Baptisia australis L., Baptisia australis (L.) R. Br., Baptisia bracteata, Baptisia lanceolata, Baptisia minor Lehm., Baptisia perfoliata (L.) R.Br., baptisia root, Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R.B., Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R.Br., Baptisiae tinctoriae radix, baptisiasaponin I (3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl sophoradiol), baptisin, baptisinine, baptisol, baptista, biochanin A-7-O-glucoside-6''-malonate, blue false indigo, blue wild indigo, cytisine, D-sparteine, Fabaceae (family), false indigo, fixed oils, flavonoids, formononetin, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, formononetin-7-O-glucoside-6''-malonate, genistein, glucolipopolypeptide, horse fly weed, horsefly weed, indigo broom, indigo carmine, indigo sauvage, indigo silvestre, indigo weed, kaikasaponin III, lupanine, lysine/ornithine decarboxylase (L/ODC), N-methylcytisine, pseudobaptisin glycosides, quinolizidine alkaloids, radix Baptisiae, rattlebush, rattleweed, resins, texasin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, triterpenoid saponin, wild indigo root, yellow broom, yellow indigo.

• Combination product examples: Esberitox® (Schaper & Brümmer, Salzgitter, Germany), an herbal combination therapy that contains Thujae occidentalis herba (white cedar), Baptisiae tinctoriae radix (wild indigo), Echinaceae purpureae radix (purple coneflower), and Echinaceae pallidae radix (pale purple coneflower).

• Note: Wild indigo is not to be confused with indigo carmine, a synthetic dye derived from coal tar, or true indigo (Indigofera tinctoria), which is most often used for dying. Neither indigo carmine nor true indigo will be discussed in detail in this monograph.

Background

• The species of wild indigo most common used in medicine is Baptisia tinctoria. Currently, wild indigo seems most promising when used to affect the immune system. In addition, wild indigo may have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, sufficient evidence is lacking, and more studies looking at the potential benefits of wild indigo alone are needed before its safety and effectiveness can be determined.

• Some wild indigo species are considered toxic and are on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of toxic or poisonous plants. However, studies in humans have not found serious side effects when wild indigo was used in the combination formula Esberitox®.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory (general), anti-inflammatory (inflamed nipples or lymph nodes), anti-malarial, antiviral, boils, chest pain (from clogged heart blood vessels), Crohn's disease, diphtheria (acute bacterial disease), emetic (promotes vomiting), fever, flu (general and swine), immune system regulation, inflammatory bowel disease, pain, pharyngitis (throat inflammation), promotion of regular bowel movements, scarlet fever, skin conditions, stomatitis (mouth inflammation), typhoid fever, ulcers, vaginal discharge, vomiting.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• One cup of wild indigo tea has been taken by mouth three times daily, prepared by simmering 0.5-1 grams of dried wild indigo root in 150 milliliters of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and then straining.

• An ointment containing one part of wild indigo liquid extract to eight parts of ointment base has been applied directly to the skin.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for wild indigo in children. Some wild indigo species are considered toxic and are on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of toxic or poisonous plants.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in people who are allergic or sensitive to wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), its parts, or members of the Fabaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• There is little reliable information on the side effects of wild indigo at this time. Some wild indigo species are considered toxic and are on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of toxic or poisonous plants. Reports of serious side effects from Esberitox® are lacking, although some studies report mild-to-moderate side effects. Wild indigo may cause blood in the urine, fever, mild nausea, and rash on mucous membranes. However, the effects of wild indigo alone are still unclear, and further details are unavailable at this time.

• Use cautiously in people undergoing therapy that may weaken the immune system. Wild indigo may affect the immune system.

• Use cautiously in people who receive wild indigo via stomach injections. There have been some reports that samples of Esberitox® marketed for injection through the stomach may be contaminated with bacteria.

• Use cautiously in people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Esberitox® may cause rheumatic symptoms.

• Use cautiously in children, due to a lack of safety information.

• Avoid in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some studies suggest that herbal combinations containing wild indigo may affect the baby.

• Avoid in people who are allergic or sensitive to wild indigo, its parts, or members of the legume family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Wild indigo is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Some studies suggest that herbal combinations containing wild indigo may affect the baby.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Wild indigo may interact with agents that affect the immune system, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatories, and antivirals.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Wild indigo may interact with antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, and herbs and supplements that may affect the immune system.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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