Indigofera vs Macaranga Tanarius

Tropical shrub cultivated for centuries as primary indigo dye source; leaves used in traditional Indian and East Asian medicine for liver and skin conditions.

Fast-growing pioneer tree of Southeast Asian forests used in Philippine and Indonesian traditional medicine for wound healing, skin conditions, and liver support.

indigotin, indirubin, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids

tanariflavanones, macarangaflavones, flavonoids, tannins

Skin conditions in traditional Indian medicine, Liver and spleen conditions, Epilepsy in folk medicine (leaves), Natural hair dye and conditioner

wound healing, skin conditions, liver disorders, inflammation, ulcers

Anticonvulsant research, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Hair conditioning

wound healing, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial

2–3 g dried herb as tea; topical for hair

Bark or leaf decoction 200ml 2x daily or topical leaf paste

Pregnancy, Anticonvulsant medications

pregnancy, allergy

GI upset, Possible anticonvulsant interactions

mild digestive upset