Qing Dai (Isatis indigotica): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Qing Dai work for inflammation?

Qing Dai contains active compounds including indirubin, indigo, tryptanthrin, and isatin, which demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. Indirubin, the primary active constituent, inhibits inflammatory signaling pathways and modulates immune cell activity. Research suggests these compounds suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce abnormal cellular proliferation, making Qing Dai particularly relevant for inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. The mechanism involves interference with cell cycle progression in hyperproliferative cells. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence).

Does Qing Dai interact with any medications?

Qing Dai may interact with hepatotoxic medications due to its potential for liver damage at high doses. Concurrent use with drugs metabolized by the liver, such as certain statins, acetaminophen, or antibiotics, may increase hepatotoxicity risk. Patients taking immunosuppressants should exercise caution, as Qing Dai's immunomodulatory effects could alter drug efficacy. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining Qing Dai with prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Qing Dai?

The typical adult dosage for Qing Dai is 1.5-3 grams of powder daily for internal use. For topical application, the powder is mixed with a suitable vehicle such as water or oil and applied to affected areas for conditions like psoriasis or mouth ulcers. Internal use should be limited to recommended amounts due to potential hepatotoxicity at higher doses. A qualified practitioner should monitor long-term use. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Is Qing Dai safe to take during pregnancy?

Qing Dai is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies this herb as unsafe for pregnant women, as it may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. The herb's cold thermal nature in TCM theory also makes it inappropriate during pregnancy, when maintaining warmth is typically prioritized. Breastfeeding women should likewise avoid Qing Dai unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

What conditions does Qing Dai treat?

Qing Dai is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for inflammatory conditions including psoriasis, mouth ulcers, fever, and mumps. Topical applications are common for skin conditions like psoriasis and oral lesions, while internal use addresses systemic inflammation and heat-related conditions. The herb's cooling and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for conditions characterized by heat and toxins in TCM theory. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence).

What are the side effects of Qing Dai?

Common side effects of Qing Dai include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly with internal use. More serious concerns involve potential liver damage at high doses, making it contraindicated for patients with pre-existing liver disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine also cautions against use in individuals with spleen or stomach cold patterns, as the herb's cooling nature may worsen digestive weakness. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Qing Dai (Indigo naturalis) is a traditional herbal medicine derived from plants such as Isatis indigotica, used primarily for treating autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and ulcerative colitis [PMID:38301993, PMID:33317592].

Background

Qing Dai is a dried bluish-spruce powder derived from the aerial components of plants including Isatis indigotica (Chinese woad), Baphicacanthus cusia, and Polygonum tinctorium [PMID:35139772, PMID:38301993]. It has a historical application as a dye in ancient India, Egypt, Africa, and China [PMID:38301993].

Traditional uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is used for clearing heat, detoxifying blood, eliminating spots, reducing fire, and calming panic [PMID:35872288, PMID:26389352]. It has been used to treat ailments including hemoptysis, epistaxis, chest discomfort, and aphtha [PMID:38301993].

Active compounds

Major active ingredients include lignans, indole alkaloids, and their derivatives [PMID:37789475]. Specific identified compounds include indigo, indirubin, tryptanthrin, and isatin [PMID:38948310, PMID:19296433].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the activation of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) pathway to promote mucosal healing via interleukin-22 [PMID:31034341, PMID:38948310], inhibition of NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β and TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathways [PMID:38948310], and suppression of ferroptosis by increasing antioxidant genes in the mucosa [PMID:37410250]. In psoriasis, it is thought to regulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and restore epidermal barrier function [PMID:26954317].

Clinical evidence

Evidence AUlcerative Colitis (UC)

A meta-analysis of 9 studies (299 patients) showed a pooled clinical response rate of 0.796 and a clinical remission rate of 0.668 [PMID:38006941]. In pediatric UC, 80.2% of patients achieved clinical remission within 6 months [PMID:35831249].

Evidence CPsoriasis

Chinese herbal medicine formulas containing indigo naturalis showed a higher response rate for PASI60 compared to control groups [PMID:39316667].

Evidence CAcute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

The Realgar-Indigo Naturalis formula (RIF) plus all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is used as a frontline care regimen in China [PMID:33614484].

Safety & adverse effects

Serious adverse effects include Indigo naturalis-induced colitis [PMID:29964335, PMID:31034341] and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the latter of which is recognized in the 2022 ESC/ERS guidelines [PMID:41403416, PMID:31034341]. Indirubin may also induce hepatic injury in mice with chronic colitis via macrophage-mediated transport [PMID:40546113].

Evidence summary

Evidence for the treatment of ulcerative colitis is strongest (Meta-analysis/Systematic Review), while evidence for psoriasis and leukemia is primarily based on reviews and clinical summaries.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 40210174 (2025) — Herbal medicine for treating psoriasis: A systematic review. · Complementary therapies in medicine
2.PMID: 38006941 (2024) — Indigo naturalis (Qing dai) for inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. · Clinics and research in hepatology and gastroenterology
3.PMID: 29964335 (2018) — Indigo naturalis-induced colitis. · Digestive endoscopy : official journal of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
4.PMID: 38068631 (2023) — Latin American Plants against Microorganisms. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 35872288 (2022) — Psoriasis treatment using Indigo Naturalis: Progress and strategy. · Journal of ethnopharmacology

Qing Dai

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Qing Dai

Kaempferia rotunda

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Sclerocarya Birrea

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Qing Dai

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Qing Dai

Related Herbs

Kaempferia rotunda

Entada phaseoloides

Sclerocarya Birrea

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources