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Indian indigo

Indigofera tinctoria

Indigofera tinctoria is a plant species utilized extensively in various traditional medicinal systems. It has been historically applied to address fever, nervous complaints, swelling, adenopathy, bronchitis, and convulsions, while also serving as an astringent, anodyne, and various types of antidotes. Scientific studies have identified the plant as a source of blue dye and have observed its potential to modulate estrogen signaling, though research into these specific therapeutic effects remains limited. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
fever · nervous complaints
Traditions
TCM · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • This study found that Persian Qīng Dài was derived from Indigofera tinctoria, not mactra clam powder or other sources. D PMID
  • The study found that adding isatin and a reducing agent like cysteine or ascorbic acid to Indigofera tinctoria L. dyeing processes leads to immediate formation of indirubin, resulting in stable red hair colouration. D PMID
  • Indigofera tinctoria was identified as one of several plants with potential to modulate estrogen signaling without interfering with standard ALS and PD treatments. D PMID
  • Indigofera tinctoria was identified as a source of blue dye in ancient carpets. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Indian indigo?

Indian indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Indian indigo traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Indian indigo for: fever, nervous complaints, swelling, adenopathy, alexiteric, anodyne. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Indian indigo?

Indian indigo appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Indian indigo?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Indian indigo; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: This study found that Persian Qīng Dài was derived from Indigofera tinctoria, not mactra clam powder or other sources.

How strong is the evidence for Indian indigo?

The strongest finding for Indian indigo carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Indian indigo safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Indian indigo in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Indian indigo interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Indian indigo in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Indian indigo?

Indian indigo is also known as: Индигофера красильная, indigotier.

Is Indian indigo a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Exploring bioactive natural products for treating neurodegenerative diseases: a computational network medicine approach targeting the estrogen signaling pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Indirubin as a red hair Colourant from Indigofera tinctoria L. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 3D-Fluorescence Supported by Optical Reflectance and Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Natural Dyes in Ancient Textiles: Potential and Limitations. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 [Persian Qing Dai: A Bibliographical Study]. literature abstract metadata

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