Wrightia Tinctoria (Wrightia tinctoria): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Wrightia tinctoria work for psoriasis?

Wrightia tinctoria contains active compounds including wrightial, steroidal alkaloids, and flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. These constituents are believed to modulate keratinocyte proliferation and reduce inflammatory cytokines associated with psoriatic lesions. The herb also demonstrates immunomodulatory effects that may help normalize the excessive skin cell turnover characteristic of psoriasis. While traditional use spans centuries, clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C).

Does Wrightia tinctoria interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Wrightia tinctoria in current medical literature. However, due to limited clinical research, caution is advised when using it alongside immunosuppressive medications, corticosteroids, or other psoriasis treatments. The herb's effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes have not been thoroughly studied. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Wrightia tinctoria, as potential interactions cannot be ruled out (Evidence Level D).

What is the recommended dosage of Wrightia tinctoria?

The typical adult dosage for Wrightia tinctoria is topical application of a paste made from ground leaves applied to affected skin areas, or approximately 250mg of standardized extract taken twice daily orally. For psoriasis and skin conditions, topical application is the preferred and more traditional route. Dosage may vary based on formulation and condition severity. Always perform a patch test before widespread topical use and consult a qualified practitioner for personalized dosing (Evidence Level C, Traditional).

Is Wrightia tinctoria safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Wrightia tinctoria is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains steroidal alkaloids that may affect hormonal balance and potentially harm fetal development. There is insufficient safety data to support its use in pregnant or nursing women. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid both oral and topical preparations of Wrightia tinctoria. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for safe alternatives for skin conditions during pregnancy (Evidence Level D).

What are the side effects of Wrightia tinctoria?

Wrightia tinctoria may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly with topical application. Skin irritation, redness, itching, or rash may occur at the application site. Oral use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. A patch test on a small area of skin is strongly recommended before widespread topical use. Discontinue use immediately if any adverse reactions occur. Those with known plant allergies should exercise particular caution (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 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Wrightia tinctoria is a deciduous tree native to India and Burma used in traditional medicine for skin disorders, jaundice, and inflammation [PMID:24600194, PMID:33825845].

Background

Also known as Sweet Indrajao, Pala Indigo Plant, or Dyer's Oleander, it belongs to the Apocynaceae family [PMID:24600194]. It is a small deciduous tree characterized by light gray, scaly smooth bark [PMID:24600194].

Traditional uses

Used in South India as a 'jaundice curative tree' via leaf juice [PMID:24600194]. In the Siddha system, it is used for psoriasis and other skin diseases [PMID:24600194]. Crushed fresh leaves are used for toothache [PMID:24600194], and the plant is used by traditional healers for wound healing [PMID:41563499].

Active compounds

The plant contains flavonoids, glycoflavones-iso-orientin, and phenolic acids [PMID:24600194]. Specific identified compounds include 8-prenylnaringenin, bilobalide, trans-cinnamic acid [PMID:41563499], indirubin [PMID:20691774], and tryptanthrin [PMID:26061820]. Seedpod extracts contain hexadecanoic acid, ethyl hexadecanoate, and various octadecanoic acid esters [PMID:36394338].

Mechanism of action

A semi-purified fraction (DW-F5) inhibits melanoma signaling pathways mediated through BRAF, WNT/β-catenin, and Akt-NF-κB, leading to the abolition of MITF-M [PMID:26061820]. Chloroform fractions have been shown to downregulate IL-8 and RANTES in HaCaT cells [PMID:40143083]. Serine proteases from the plant degrade the peptidoglycan layer of bacteria [PMID:28088018].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DPsoriasis

Chloroform fractions reduced HaCaT cell viability, induced apoptosis, and downregulated inflammatory markers in vitro and in vivo (IMQ-induced mouse model) [PMID:40143083].

Evidence DMalignant Melanoma

Fraction DW-F5 prevented metastasis and angiogenesis in NOD-SCID mice [PMID:26061820].

Evidence DWound Healing

Topical application of latex proteases augmented healing of excision wounds in mice [PMID:23838477]. Methanolic extract of fresh leaves showed wound healing potential in excision models [PMID:41563499].

Evidence DOral Cancer

Ethanolic and bark extracts demonstrated cytotoxic and apoptotic activity against KB oral cancer cell lines in vitro [PMID:39157850, PMID:40439388].

Evidence DPain/Inflammation

Bark extracts showed antinociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing tests in mice, comparable to acetylsalicylic acid [PMID:12165341].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell line studies and in vivo animal models (mice/rats). There are no human clinical trials provided; therefore, the overall strength of clinical evidence is low (Level D).

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 24600194 (2014) — A review on phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacognostical profile of Wrightia tinctoria: Adulterant of kurchi. · Pharmacognosy reviews
2.PMID: 32905089 (2020) — Influence of phytochemicals in induced psoriasis (Review). · Experimental and therapeutic medicine
3.PMID: 41563499 (2026) — Wound healing potential of methanolic extract of Wrightia tinctoria fresh leaf. · Die Naturwissenschaften
4.PMID: 26061820 (2015) — DW-F5: A novel formulation against malignant melanoma from Wrightia tinctoria. · Scientific reports
5.PMID: 39157850 (2024) — Evaluation of in vitro anti-cancer potential and apoptotic profile of ethanolic plant extract of Wrightia tinctoria against oral cancer cell line. · Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology : JOMFP

Wrightia Tinctoria

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Wrightia Tinctoria