da qing ye

Da qing ye is an herbal extract made from the leaf, stem and root of Isatis indigotica, a herbaceous plant. Da qing ye has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, the Indian traditional medicine system, to treat many ailments such as influenza, sore throat, respiratory ailments, tumors, infections and inflammations. There are, however, no adequate scientific studies or well-controlled clinical trials to support any of its purported uses. Da qing ye is also a source of indigo, the natural plant dye.

Laboratory and animal studies indicate da qing ye has several chemical compounds that have antimicrobial, antiviral, immunostimulatory, anti-tumor, radioprotective, detoxifying, antipyretic, antioxidant, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Da qing ye’s therapeutic effects are believed to be from bioactive substances it contains, including alkaloids such as indigotin and indirubin, organic acids, flavonoids, nucleosides, lignans, steroids, amino acids and minerals.

Suggested uses of da qing ye include:

• Common cold
• Influenza
• Sore throat
• Bronchial inflammation (bronchitis)
• Infections
• Mumps (acute viral parotitis)
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Lung abscess
• Japanese encephalitis virus infection
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Acute gastroenteritis
• Diarrhea and dysentery
• Mucous membrane inflammation (mucositis)
• Psoriasis
• cancer
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Warnings

• Do not use da qing ye if you are hypersensitive to any ingredient in the formulation.
• Da qing ye contains chemicals similar to those in aspirin. Individuals allergic to aspirin may be allergic to da qing ye.
• Da qing ye may interfere with the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP450 3A4.

Common side effects of da qing ye include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• In patients with ulcerative colitis:
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Colon wall thickening and edema
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There isn’t enough scientific information to know what might be an appropriate dose of da qing ye. There are no standard established dosages, dosages vary. Follow manufacturer’s recommended doses.

Suggested dosing:

Oral

• 150 to 200 mg indirubin per day

Liquid extract in olive oil (topical)

• Apply to the nails and the skin beneath the edge of the nail in amounts of 0.05-0.1 mL twice daily for 24 weeks.

Overdose

There is no information available on da qing ye overdose symptoms or treatment.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Da qing ye has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There isn’t any scientific and reliable information on the safety of qa ding ye use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid using qa ding ye if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not use any herbal product, including qa ding ye, without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use of da qing ye topical application is likely safe for a up to 24 weeks. No reliable information is available on the safety and side effects of da qing ye.
• If you do use da qing ye follow label instructions exactly. Natural products are not necessarily safe always and following suggested dosing is important.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal product, including da qing ye, particularly if you have any health conditions or if you are taking any regular medications.
• Herbal products often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the da qing ye product you choose.
• Da qing ye is marketed as an herbal product and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents. Exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store da qing ye products safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, report your symptoms to Poison Control and seek medical help.