Assam Indigo

Botanical

What is it

Assam indigo (Strobilanthes cusia, formerly Baphicacanthus cusia) is an Asian shrub used as a traditional source of indigo dye and in Chinese herbal medicine ('qing dai') for skin and inflammatory complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Ulcerative colitis (related qing dai product)

Good Evidence

Small randomized trials of qing dai (indigo naturalis) have shown improvement in ulcerative colitis symptoms; this is offset by reports of pulmonary hypertension at higher doses.

How it works

Indirubin and indigo, the main alkaloid-like pigments, have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of cytokine signaling, including JAK-STAT pathways. Animal and small clinical work in psoriasis and ulcerative colitis has shown promise, but research specifically on Assam indigo supplements is limited.

Dosage

No standardized supplement dose. Traditional 'qing dai' (a related Indigo Naturalis product) has been studied in inflammatory bowel disease at 0.5-2 g/day.

When and how to take it

No formal timing guidance. Follow label or practitioner directions.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Leaf or root extract

Traditional Chinese medicine uses qing dai as a powder; supplement formats vary.

Indirubin absorption is poor; oil-based or nanoparticle preparations have been explored

Safety

Qing dai products have been associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in published case reports when taken at higher doses for inflammatory bowel disease. Liver enzyme elevations have also been reported.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, cardiopulmonary disease, and in children. Anyone with inflammatory bowel disease considering use should consult a gastroenterologist due to pulmonary hypertension risk.

Interactions

Possible additive immunomodulatory effects with biologic medications used for psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Frequently asked questions

What is Assam indigo used for?⌄

Traditional Chinese medicine uses it for inflammatory skin conditions and digestive complaints. Some related products have been studied in ulcerative colitis.

Is it safe?⌄

Reports of pulmonary hypertension and liver enzyme elevations have been associated with related qing dai products. Use under medical supervision.

References

Assam Indigo on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Assam Indigo (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Assam Indigo with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.