Work

Gentian Violet: a 19th century drug re‐emerges in the 21st century

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: Gentian violet (GV) has a long and varied history as a medicinal agent. Historically used as an antibacterial and antifungal, recent reports have shown its utility as an antitypranosomal, antiviral and anti-angiogenic agent. The objective of this article is to summarize evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of GV use in dermatology. Recent discoveries have found novel targets of GV, namely NADPH oxidase in mammalian cells and thioredoxin reductase 2 in bacterial, fungal and parasitic cells. These discoveries have expanded the use of GV in the 21st century. Given that GV is well tolerated, effective and inexpensive, its use in dermatology is predicted to increase.

Source: Experimental Dermatology

DOI: 10.1111/exd.12257

Authors: Alexander M. Maley, Jack L. Arbiser

Institutions: United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Emory University, Veterans Health Administration

Language: English

Topic: Historical Medical Research and Treatments

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases