From Traditional Remedy to Modern Applications: A Comprehensive Review of Isatis indigotica Fortune as a Food-Medicine Homologous Plant

Yue Pan; Hui Li; Jiajia Chen; Ying Yu; Zun Lv; Ming Jiang

doi:10.53941/fm.2025.100002

Abstract

Isatis indigotica Fortune, a dual-purpose medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, has been utilized since the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) for heat-clearing and epidemic prevention. New research shows this plant’s active parts—like indirubin, tryptanthrin, and lignans—work in three main ways. First, they reduce swelling by blocking the NF-κB pathway and helping gut bacteria stay balanced. Second, they fight viruses by stopping flu viruses from copying themselves. Third, they boost antioxidant power when flavonoids and polysaccharides work together. These findings underpin its expanded applications encompassing commercial antiviral formulations (e.g., Banlangen Granules), functional beverages, and cosmeceuticals where phenylpropanoid derivatives demonstrate erythema reduction and skin barrier reinforcement, while indigo-based compounds provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. Persistent challenges constrain its modernization: limited bioavailability of liposoluble alkaloids, uncharacterized phytochemical interactions, and insufficient toxicological data for dietary integration. Such limitations impede the translation of traditional preparations into standardized nutraceuticals. Strategic priorities include: (1) Nanoencapsulation technologies to enhance bioactive compound delivery; (2) Clinical dose differentiation between therapeutic and supplemental regimens; (3) Multi-omics mapping of metabolic pathways and component synergies. Concurrently, antimicrobial properties warrant exploration for eco-friendly food preservation. The organic integration of ethnopharmacological heritage and pharmaceutical innovation has rendered indigo a versatile resource in the fields of chronic disease intervention and sustainable product development, with its application premised on addressing key challenges such as bioavailability and safety verification.

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