Indigo pulchra
Scientific names: Indigofera pulchra Willd., Indigofera dorycnium, Indigofera dupuisii
Family: Leguminosae
Alternate names: Bakin bunu, Balesama, Balkeyan, Indigofera, Namijin babar
Actions: General, Analgesic, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-malarial, Gastrointestinal
Background
Indigo pulchra is a small shrub that grows in West Africa.
Indigo pulchra is used for malaria, snake bites, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Indigo pulchra is used for malaria, snake bites, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if indigo pulchra is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if indigo pulchra is safe or what the side effects might be.
Diabetes: Indigo pulchra might lower blood sugar levels. Using indigo pulchra along with diabetes medications might make blood sugar levels drop too low. Monitor blood sugar levels closely.
Surgery: Indigo pulchra might affect blood glucose levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using indigo pulchra at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if indigo pulchra is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if indigo pulchra is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Diabetes: Indigo pulchra might lower blood sugar levels. Using indigo pulchra along with diabetes medications might make blood sugar levels drop too low. Monitor blood sugar levels closely.
Surgery: Indigo pulchra might affect blood glucose levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using indigo pulchra at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Diabetes.
- Diarrhea.
- Gout.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Inflammatory conditions.
- Malaria.
- Pain.
- Snakebites.
- Wound infections.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of indigo pulchra depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for indigo pulchra (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Indigo pulchra can decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking indigo pulchra along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Indigo pulchra might lower blood sugar levels. Using it along with other herbs or supplements that have this same effect might cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Some herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar include alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Indigo pulchra contains certain chemicals that seem to decrease sugar in the blood. It also might decrease pain and diarrhea. Some chemicals in indigo pulchra also seem to fight against the bugs that cause malaria.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 04/07/2024 10:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
