What Is Isatis (Ban Lan Gen) Root Extract? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Isatis Root Extract, also known as Radix Isatidis Extract or Isatis indigotica Extract, is a natural plant extract processed from the dried root of Isatis indigotica Fort., a plant of the Cruciferae family, through extraction, filtration, concentration, and drying processes. It is a functional ingredient with multiple biological activities. Isatis root has the bitter taste and cold nature, with the functions of clearing heat and removing toxins, cooling blood and relieving sore throat. It is used for treating warm toxin skin eruptions, deep-red tongue, parotitis, throat obstruction, severe warm disease, erysipelas, and sores and swellings. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the source of Isatis root is the dried root of Isatis indigotica Fort., dug in autumn, removing sand and mud, and dried in the sun. The main active components of Isatis root extract include indigo, indirubin, goitrin, epigoitrin, Isatis root polysaccharides, sinigrin, amino acids, organic acids, and various trace elements, endowing Isatis root extract with multiple effects including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune enhancement, antipyretic, and anti-cancer properties. Isatis root extract products are available in various forms, including ratio extracts (4:1, 10:1, 20:1, 50:1, etc.), standardized extracts (standardized indirubin content), Isatis root polysaccharides, concentrated powder, and granules.

The main active components of Isatis root extract are shown in the table below: Component Category

Indigo and Indirubin: Indigo and indirubin are the most characteristic active components of Isatis root extract, belonging to indole alkaloids. Indigo CAS: 482–89–3, Indirubin CAS: 479–41–4, with molecular formula C16H10N2O2. Research indicates that indirubin has significant anti-leukemia effects and antioxidant activity. Indigo and indirubin have inhibitory effects against various viruses (such as influenza virus, herpes virus), and indirubin also has good anti-tumor activity.