Evidence supporting the use of: Baphicacanthus cusia
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Baphicacanthus cusia, also known as Indigo woad root or Qing Dai, is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an herbal remedy for a variety of infections and inflammatory conditions. Its use as an alternative or adjunct to antibiotics is rooted in centuries-old medicinal practices, particularly for the treatment of conditions such as tonsillitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and viral illnesses. The traditional belief is that extracts from the plant possess "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" properties, which are interpreted in TCM theory as helpful for combating infections.
Modern pharmacological studies have identified some antibacterial and antiviral activities in extracts of Baphicacanthus cusia and its related preparations (such as Qing Dai), particularly in vitro. Certain compounds, such as indirubin and tryptanthrin, have demonstrated inhibitory effects against some bacterial strains and viruses. However, clinical trials in humans are limited, and the evidence base is not robust enough to support its use as a direct substitute for conventional antibiotics in evidence-based medicine. The traditional use, nonetheless, persists widely in East Asia, and the herb is sometimes included in multi-herb formulations for infectious diseases. Overall, while there is some pharmacological rationale and a strong tradition, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking.
More about Baphicacanthus cusia
More about Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid2'-Fucosyllactose
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Acemannan
Ajoene
Alantolactone
Alchornea
Algae
Algal protein
Allicin
Alliin
Allyl sulfide
alpha-terpineol
Alstonia scholaris
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
Asteraceae
astragalus
aucubin
azelaic acid
Bacillus
bacillus clausii
Bacillus indicus
Bacillus licheniformis
bacillus subtilis
bacteria
baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
Basidiomycota
bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
berberine
betulinic acid
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black walnut
Blue-Green Alage
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Brazilian peppertree
Brevibacillus laterosporus
Butea monosperma
butyric acid
Calotropis gigantea
capric acid
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caterpillar mushroom
Centipeda
chalcone
Chinese raisintree
cinnamaldehyde
cinnamic acid
citral
Clerodendrum indicum
Clostridium butyricum
clove
coconut
coconut oil
colostrum
copaiba oil
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
Dichrostachys glomerata
Embelia
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
eugenol
European Elder
flavonoids
Fomes fomentarius
fungus
gallic acid
garlic
garlic bulb
geranium
ginger
glyceryl monolaurate
golden shower tree
goldenseal
gooseberry
green tea
Guava
heal-all
Helicteres isora
Herb Robert
honey
honeysuckle
horseradish
Houttuynia
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian tinospora
Isatis
isoquinoline alkaloids
Kefir
L. lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus lactis
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Lauric arginate
Lentinula edodes mycelia
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
Litsea
Lysimachia
lysozyme
Mastic gum
melaleuca alternifolia
Monolaurin
Morinda
Mushroom
Myrrh
Naphthoquinones
Nasturtium
Neem tree
Nigella seed
Nimbidin
Nisin
Oleuropein
Oligosaccharides
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
Osha
oyster mushroom
paederia foetida
Paenibacillus polymyxa
pagoda tree
papaya
Paris polyphylla
pau d'arco
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Petiveria
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
Phycocyanin
Physalis angulata
pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
Platycodon
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pleurotus eryngii
polylysine
polysaccharides
Premna
Propolis
red alder
red root
rhizome
Rhus coriaria
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
sage
saponins
Sarcandra glabra
Self-Heal
Sesbania
shiitake mushroom
Sicklepod
Simaruba
Solanum indicum
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Spilanthes
Streptomyces
Streptomyces cellulosae
Streptomyces fradiae
Streptomyces griseoflavus
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sweet Annie
Tagetes
Tamaricaceae
Tannins
Terminalia
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Trametes
Tremella
Tulbaghia
turmeric
vitamin C
Wasabi
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Yellow root
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Baphicacanthus cusia
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Chicken Pox
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Laryngitis
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Strep Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
