Skip to content

Wild indigo

Wild indigo is a plant whose root is used to make medicine.

Wildindigo is used for infections such as diphtheria, influenza, colds and other upper respiratory tract infections, lymph node infections, scarlet fever, malaria and typhoid fever. It is also used for inflamed tonsils, sore throats, swelling around the mouth and throat, fever, boils and Crohn's disease. Some people apply wild indigo directly to the skin for ulcers, sore and painful nipples and to clean open and swollen wounds. In addition, wild indigo is used as a vaginal douche for vaginal discharge.

How does wild indigo work?

There is not enough information available to say how wild indigo might work as a medicine.

How effective is wild indigo?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective wild indigo taken orally is for diphtheria, influenza, typhoid, scarlet fever, sore throats, inflamed tonsils, colds, swelling around the mouth and throat and Crohn's disease, and wild indigo applied to the skin for ulcers and sore and painful nipples, and to help heal wounds. There is also not enough scientific information on the effectiveness of using it as a vaginal douche for vaginal discharge.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of wild indigo in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Wild indigo is not safe and harmless when taken orally or applied to the skin. High doses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, other intestinal problems and cramps.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Wild Indigo is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women when taken orally or applied to the skin.

Stomach or intestinal problems: Wild indigo may be particularly harmful to people with existing stomach or intestinal problems.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of wild indigo with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of wild indigo depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for wild indigo. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Barcz, E., Sommer, E., Nartowska, J., Balan, B., Chorostowska-Wynimko, J., and Skopinska-Rozewska, E. Influence of Echinacea purpurea intake during pregnancy on fetal growth and tissue angiogenic activity. Folia Histochem.Cytobiol. 2007;45 Suppl 1:S35-S39. View abstract.
  2. Becker, K. P., Ditter, B., Nimsky, C., Urbaschek, R., and Urbaschek, B. [Endotoxin contents of phytopharmaceuticals: correlation with clinically observed side effects]. Dtsch.Med Wochenschr. 1-22-1988;113(3):83-87. View abstract.
  3. Beuscher, N. [On the influence of drugs on cellular mechanism of resistance in the animal experiment. III. Enhancement of leukocyte mobilization in the mouse by a resistance stimulant on plant base (author's transl)]. Drug Research. 1980;30(5):821-825. view abstract.
  4. Beuscher, N. [On the influence of drugs on cellular mechanisms of resistance in the animal experiment/Activation of peritoneal macrophages of the mouse by a resistance stimulant on plant base (author's transl)]. Drug Research. 1982;32(2):134-138. view abstract.
  5. Beuscher, N. and Kopanski, L. [Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria]. Planta Med 1985;(5):381-384. view abstract.
  6. Beuscher, N. and Stolze, H. [Endotoxin content of plant drugs]. Dtsch.Med Wochenschr. 5-6-1988;113(18):749-750. View abstract.
  7. Beuscher, N., Beuscher, H., Otto, B., and Schafer, B. [Modification by drugs of cellular and humoral resistance mechanisms in animal experiments. I. In-vitro studies of peritoneal leukocytes and serums in rats]. Drug Research. 1977;27(9):1655-1660. View abstract.
  8. Blunck KD. Susceptibility to infection at children's home-to increase the resistance against infections. Pediatrics 1983;14:991-992.
  9. Bodinet, C. and Freudenstein, J. Effects of an orally applied aqueous-ethanolic extract of a mixture of Thujae occidentalis herba, Baptisiae tinctoriae radix, Echinaceae purpureae radix and Echinaceae pallidae radix on antibody response against sheep red blood cells in mice. Planta Med 1999;65(8):695-699. view abstract.
  10. Bodinet, C., Lindequist, U., Teuscher, E., and Freudenstein, J. Effect of an orally applied herbal immunomodulator on cytokine induction and antibody response in normal and immunosuppressed mice. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(7):606-613. view abstract.
  11. Bodinet, C., Lindequist, U., Teuscher, E., and Freudenstein, J. Influence of peroral application of a herbal immunomodulator on the antibody production of Peyer's patches cells. Arzneimittelforschung. 2004;54(2):114-118. view abstract.
  12. Bodinet, C., Mentel, R., Wegner, U., Lindequist, U., Teuscher, E., and Freudenstein, J. Effect of oral application of an immunomodulating plant extract on influenza virus type A infection in mice. Planta Med 2002;68(10):896-900. view abstract.
  13. Bostelmann, H. C., Bodeker, R. H., Dames, W., Henneicke-von Zepelin, H. H., Siegers, C. P., and Stammwitz, U. [Immunomodulation by herbal agents. A double-blind study in a medical university hospital involving a hepatitis B vaccine adjuvant model]. Fortschr.Med Orig. 12-5-2002;120(4):119-123. view abstract.
  14. Bunsupa, S., Katayama, K., Ikeura, E., Oikawa, A., Toyooka, K., Saito, K., and Yamazaki, M. Lysine decarboxylase catalyzes the first step of quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis and coevolved with alkaloid production in leguminosae. Plant Cell 2012;24(3):1202-1216. view abstract.
  15. Classen, B., Csavas, M., Borbas, A., Dingermann, T., and Zundorf, I. Monoclonal Antibodies against an Arabinogalactan-Protein from Pressed Juice of Echinacea purpurea. Planta Med. 2004;70(9):861-865. view abstract.
  16. Classen, B., Thude, S., Blaschek, W., Wack, M., and Bodinet, C. Immunomodulatory effects of arabinogalactan-proteins from Baptisia and Echinacea. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(9-10):688-694. view abstract.
  17. Dowlatshahi, K., Jokich, P. M., Schmidt, R., Bibbo, M., and Dawson, P. J. Cytologic diagnosis of occult breast lesions using stereotaxic needle aspiration. A preliminary report. Arch Surg 1987;122(11):1343-1346. view abstract.
  18. Egert, D. and Beuscher, N. Studies on antigen specifity of immunoreactive arabinogalactan proteins extracted from Baptisia tinctoria and Echinacea purpurea. Planta Med. 1992;58(2):163-165. view abstract.
  19. Forth, H. and Beuscher, N. Influencing the frequency of common cold infections by Esberitox. Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin [Effect on the frequency of banal cold infections by esberitox]. ZFA.(Stuttgart.) 11-20-1981;57(32):2272-2275. View abstract.
  20. Gerhardt, P. [Influence of an unspecific stimulation therapy using Esberitox on leukopoiesis during the use of ionizing radiation]. Radiation Therapy. 1972;143(5):549-558. View abstract.
  21. Gocan, S., Cimpan, G., and Muresan, L. Automated multiple development thin layer chromatography of some plant extracts. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 1996;14(8-10):1221-1227. view abstract.
  22. Guo, R., Canter, P. H., and Ernst, E. Herbal medicines for the treatment of rhinosinusitis: a systematic review. Otolaryngol.Head Neck Surg. 2006;135(4):496-506. view abstract.
  23. Guo, R., Pittler, M. H., and Ernst, E. Herbal medicines for the treatment of COPD: a systematic review. Eur.Respir.J 2006;28(2):330-338. View abstract.
  24. Hauke, W., Kohler, G., Henneicke-von Zepelin, H. H., and Freudenstein, J. Esberitox N as supportive therapy when providing standard antibiotic treatment in subjects with a severe bacterial infection (acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis). A multicentric, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Chemotherapy 2002;48(5):259-266. View abstract.
  25. HELBIG, G. [Nonspecific therapy with irritants for infection prophylaxis. A study of the therapeutic effect of Esberitox]. Med Klin. 9-1-1961;56:1512-1514. view abstract.
  26. Hentschel C, Zeppelin HH Kohnen R Kohler G Wustenberg P Ernst E. Clinical efficacy of Esberitox in common cold - results of a (GCP) randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter study. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Ther 1997;2(4):189.
  27. Hentschel, C., Schnitker, J., Kohnen, R., Kohler, G., Lindhauer, I., and Henneicke-von Zepelin, H. H. [Phytotherapeutic drugs for the common cold. Results of a randomized controlled double-blind study]. MMW.Fortschr.Med. 3-2-2000;142(9):46. View abstract.
  28. HOFFMANN, R. [Esberitox, an oral remedy for non-specific therapeutic irritation in infectious inflammation]. Ther Ggw. 1952;91(5):186. view abstract.
  29. Ikeda, T., Jinno, H., Fujii, H., and Kitajima, M. Recent development of sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer in Japan. Asian J Surg 2004;27(4):275-278. view abstract.
  30. Imoto, S., Fukukita, H., Murakami, K., Ikeda, H., and Moriyama, N. Pilot study on sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer. J Surg Oncol 2000;73(3):130-133. view abstract.
  31. JOHNE, H. O. and SPERR, A. [Experimental and clinical experiences with stimulation therapy with gluco-lipopolypeptide complexes (esberitox) in dermatology]. Med. 8-25-1956;7(33-34):1145-1147. view abstract.
  32. Kindzel'skii, L. P., Zlochevskaia, L. L., Tsyganok, T. V., and Shabaeva, M. M. [The effect of natural immunomodulators on the lymphocytic natural killer activity in patients with malignant lymphoproliferative diseases]. Lik.Sprava. 1995;(1-2):146-148. view abstract.
  33. Kleinschmidt, H. [An experiment to decrease susceptibility to infections in young children with Esberitox]. Ther Ggw. 1965;104(9):1258-1262. view abstract.
  34. Kohler, G., Bodinet, C., and Freudenstein, J. [Pharmacodynamic effects and clinical effectiveness of a combination of herbal substances comprised of Cone Flower, Wild Indigo and White Cedar]. Wien.Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):393-397. View abstract.
  35. Koster, J., Strack, D., and Barz, W. High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Separation of Isoflavones and Structural Elucidation of Isoflavone 7-O-glucoside 6''-malonates from Cicer arietinum. Planta Med. 1983;48(7):131-135. view abstract.
  36. Liesen H, Kleiter K Mucke S Order U Widenmayer W Riedel H. Leucocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations in players of the German Olympic games in 1988. Deutsch Zeitschrift fur Soprtmedizin 1989;1-10.
  37. MARION L, OUELLET J. The papilionaceous alkaloids; Baptisia australis (L.) R. Br. J Am Chem Soc. 1948;70(2):691.
  38. MARION, L. and COCKBURN, W. F. The papilionaceous alkaloids; Baptisia minor, Clay. J.Am.Chem.Soc. 1948;70(10):3472-3474. view abstract.
  39. MARION, L. and TURCOTTE, F. The papilionaceous alkaloids; Baptisia perfoliata (L.) R. Br. J.Am.Chem.Soc. 1948;70(10):3253. view abstract.
  40. Markham, K. R., Swift, W. T., III, and Mabry, T. J. A new isoflavone glycoside from Baptisia australis. J.Org.Chem. 1968;33(1):462-464. view abstract.
  41. MULLER, A. [Parenteral esberitox, its biological reactions and therapeutic possibilities]. Hippocrates. 10-15-1956;27(19):627-629. view abstract.
  42. Naser, B., Lund, B., Henneicke-von Zepelin, H. H., Kohler, G., Lehmacher, W., and Scaglione, F. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical dose-response trial of an extract of Baptisia, Echinacea and Thuja for the treatment of patients with common cold. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(10):715-722. view abstract.
  43. Oung-Boran, P., Lebreton, P., and Netien, G. [Biochemical and pharmacological study of Baptisia australis]. Planta Med. 1969;17(4):301-318. view abstract.
  44. Piller, N. B. The influence of a non-specific stimulator of host resistance on the number and morphological characteristics of macrophages attaching to subcutaneously implanted coverslips in the rat. Res Exp.Med (Berl) 1981;179(3):255-259. view abstract.
  45. Pohl, P. [On the therapy of irradiation-induced leukopenia with Esberitox]. Med.Klin. 1969;64(35):1546-1547. View abstract.
  46. Pohl, P. [Treatment of radiation-induced leukopenia with Esberitox]. Ther Ggw. 1970;109(6):902-906. view abstract.
  47. Ragosch, V., Hundertmark, S., Hopp, H., Opri, F., and Weitzel, H. K. [Insulin-like-growth-factor-binding-protein 1 (IGFBP-1) and fetal fibronectin in diagnosis of premature rupture of fetal membranes]. Obstetrics Gynecology 1996;56(6):291-296. View abstract.
  48. Reitz HD. [Immunomodulation with phytotherapeutic agents: a scientific study on the example of Esberitox]. Notabene medici 1990;20:362-366.
  49. Roxas, M. and Jurenka, J. Colds and influenza: a review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. Altern.Med Rev. 2007;12(1):25-48. view abstract.
  50. Sandoval CH, Morfin LL Lopez BB. Preliminary research for testing Baptisia tinctoria 30c effectiveness against salmonellosis in first and second quality broiler chickens. Br Homeopathic J 1998;87:131-134.
  51. Sartor, K. J. [Efficacy of Esberitox in the treatment of radiation-induced leukopenia]. Ther Ggw. 1972;111(8):1147-1150. view abstract.
  52. SCHWARZ, F. K. [Peroral change of general reaction to infections by esberitox]. Med Klin.(Munich) 10-3-1952;47(40):1320-1322. view abstract.
  53. Stolze H and Forth H. [A treatment with antibiotics can be optimized by additional immunostimulation]. Der Kassenartz 1983;23:43-48.
  54. Udayama, M., Kinjo, J., and Nohara, T. Triterpenoidal saponins from Baptisia australis. Phytochemistry 1998;48(7):1233-1235. view abstract.
  55. Vestweber, A. M., Beuth, J., Ko, H. L., Tunggal, L., Buss, G., and Pulverer, G. [In vitro activity of Mercurius cyanatus complex against relevant pathogenic bacterial isolates]. Drug Research. 1995;45(9):1018-1020. View abstract.
  56. Vomel, T. [Effect of a plant immunostimulant on phagocytosis of erythrocytes by the reticulohistiocytary system of isolated perfused rat liver]. Drug discovery. 1985;35(9):1437-1439. view abstract.
  57. von Blumroeder W-O. [Angina lacunaris. An investigation on how to stimulate the endogenous defense system] (German). Z.Allg.Med. 1985;61:271-273.
  58. VON OETTINGEN, E. N. [Acute diseases of the ear and neck; contribution to the use of esberitox]. Ther Ggw. 1954;93(4):152-153. view abstract.
  59. Vorberg G. For colds, stimulate the nonspecific immune system. Medical Practice 1984;6:97-98.
  60. Wack, M., Classen, B., and Blaschek, W. An acidic arabinogalactan-protein from the roots of Baptisia tinctoria. Planta Med. 2005;71(9):814-818. view abstract.
  61. Wagner, H. and Jurcic, K. [Immunologic studies of plant combination preparations. In-vitro and in-vivo studies on the stimulation of phagocytosis]. Drug Research. 1991;41(10):1072-1076. view abstract.
  62. Wagner, H., Horhammer, L., Budweg, W., Major, A., and Farkas, L. [Investigation of the glycosides from Baptisia tinctoria. 3. synthesis of pseudobaptisins]. Chem.Ber. 1969;102(9):3006-3008. view abstract.
  63. Wagner, H., Proksch, A., Riess-Maurer, I., Vollmar, A., Odenthal, S., Stuppner, H., Jurcic, K., Le Turdu, M., and Fang, J. N. [Immunostimulating action of polysaccharides (heteroglycans) from higher plants]. Arzneimittelforschung 1985;35(7):1069-1075. view abstract.
  64. Wagner, H., Proksch, A., Riess-Maurer, I., Vollmar, A., Odenthal, S., Stuppner, H., Jurcic, K., Le, Turdu M., and Heur, Y. H. [Immunostimulant action of polysaccharides (heteroglycans) from higher plants. Preliminary communication]. Drug discovery. 1984;34(6):659-661. View abstract.
  65. Wink, M., Witte, L., Hartmann, T., Theuring, C., and Volz, V. Accumulation of quinolizidine alkaloids in plants and cell suspension cultures: genera lupinus, cytisus, baptisia, genista, laburnum, and sophora. Planta Med. 1983;48(8):253-257. view abstract.
  66. Wustenberg, P., Henneicke-von Zepelin, H. H., Kohler, G., and Stammwitz, U. Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing Echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar. Adv.Ther 1999;16(1):51-70. view abstract.
  67. Yarnell E, Abascal K. Holistic Approaches to Prostate Cancer. Altern Complement Ther. 2008;14(4):164-180.
  68. Zimmer M. Specific conservative treatment of acute sinusitis in the ENT practice. Therapiewoche 1985;35:4024-4028.
  69. Barrett B, Vohmann M, Calabrese C. Echinacea for upper respiratory infection. J Fam Pract 1999;48:628-35. view abstract.
  70. Bendel R, Bendel V, Renner K, et al [Additional treatment with Esberitox N in patients with chemo- radiotherapy treatment of advanced breast cancer]. Oncology. 1989;12 Suppl 3:32-8. View abstract.
  71. Bendel R, Bendel V, Renner K, et al. [Supplementary treatment with Esberitox of female patients undergoing curative adjuvant irradiation following breast cancer]. Strahlenther.Onkol. 1988;164:278-83. view abstract.
  72. Beuscher N, Scheit KH, Bodinet C, Kopanski L. [Immunologically active glycoproteins of Baptisia tinctoria]. Planta Med 1989;55:358-63. view abstract.
  73. Bockhorst H, Gollnick N, Guran S, et al [Therapy of herpes simplex in practice. Report on the treatment of herpes simplex labialis with Esberitox]. ZFA.(Stuttgart.) 11-20-1982;58:1795-98. View abstract.
  74. Henneicke-von Zepelin H, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, et al. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr Med Res Opin 1999;15:214-27. view abstract.