Evidence supporting the use of: Isatis
For the health condition: Acne

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Isatis, particularly Isatis tinctoria (woad) and Isatis indigotica, has a longstanding role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) and leaf (Da Qing Ye) are used for their "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" properties. Acne, understood in TCM as a condition associated with "heat" and "toxicity" in the body, is sometimes treated with Isatis in combination with other herbs. Ancient and modern TCM texts commonly list Isatis extracts as components of herbal formulas for skin eruptions, pustular acne, and related inflammatory skin diseases. The evidence for these uses is based primarily on historical medical literature and practitioner anecdote rather than systematic scientific study.

Limited modern research has investigated Isatis extracts for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties—mechanisms potentially relevant to acne. Some in vitro studies report that Isatis constituents, such as indirubin and tryptanthrin, may inhibit certain bacteria and reduce inflammation. However, robust clinical trials specifically assessing Isatis for acne are lacking. Thus, while there is some plausibility and a robust tradition of use, scientific validation remains insufficient, and the evidence is primarily traditional in nature.

More about Isatis
More about Acne

Products containing Isatis

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.