Isatis tinctoria L. (Woad): A Review of Its Botany, Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Biotechnological Studies

Abstract

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), which is commonly known as woad, is a species with an ancient and well-documented history as an indigo dye and medicinal plant. Currently, I. tinctoria is utilized more often as medicinal remedy and also as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2011, I. tinctoria root was accepted in the official European phytotherapy by introducing its monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia. The biological properties of raw material have been known from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over recent decades, I. tinctoria has been investigated both from a phytochemical and a biological point of view. The modern in vitro and in vivo scientific studies proved anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical composition of I. tinctoria has been thoroughly investigated and the plant was proven to contain many valuable biologically active compounds, including several alkaloids, among which tryptanthrin, indirubin, indolinone, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides as well as glucosinolates, carotenoids, volatile constituents, and fatty acids. This article provides a general botanical and ethnobotanical overview that summarizes the up-to-date knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this valuable plant in order to support its therapeutic potential. Moreover, the biotechnological studies on I. tinctoria, which mainly focused on hairy root cultures for the enhanced production of flavonoids and alkaloids as well as on the establishment of shoot cultures and micropropagation protocols, were reviewed. They provide input for future research prospects.

Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against COVID-19: The role of antiviral medicinal metabolites

“…Fabaceae) liquorice root Fabaceae dried root and rhizome Glycyrrhizin, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Glycyrretol Wagner et al (2015a) Glycyrrhizae, uralensis Chinese liquorice Fabaceae Rhizome, root glycyrrhizin Tanemoto et al (2015) Lophatherum gracile Brongn Herba Lophatheri Poaceae Dried stem and leaf Luteolin, isoorientin, isovitexin, swertisin Fan et al (2015) Mentha haplocalyx Briq. Lamiaceae Aerial parts (stem and leaf) spicatoside A, spicatoside B, menthalactone, maniladiol, He et al (2019) Schizonepeta tenuifolia Herba Schizonepetae Saururaceae Leaves and Spikes (−)-menthone, (+)-pulegone, (−)-limonene and (+)-menthofuran ( Schwarz et al, 2011 ; Song et al, 2016 ) Isatis tinctorial L. Woad or dyer's woad Brassicaceae dried root Isatin, Isatan A – B − C, Isoindigo, Isoorientin, Speranza et al (2020) Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle and golden-and-silver honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae Flower bud, roots Stryspinoside, chlorogenic acid, loganin aglycone, caffeic acid ( Wang et al, 2013 ; Yu et al, 2016 ) Pogostemon cablin . (Blanco) Benth.…”

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“…Therefore, traditional herbs from diverse geographical locations and various habitats could be considered as potential sources of new drugs for treatment of viral infections, including those caused by SARS-CoVs and its emergent mutants. For centuries, the medicinal plant Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) have been esteemed in Europe, Central Asia, and in TCM for therapeutic and cosmetic application, and indigo-blue dyeing character ( Speranza et al, 2020 ). All parts of this plant are utilized in complementary and alternative medicinal preparations against eruptive epidemic diseases, pharyngitis, laryngitis, hepatitis, various kinds of fevers, influenza and viral skin diseases.…”

Recent insights on anti-dengue virus (DENV) medicinal plants: review on in vitro, in vivo and in silico discoveries

“…Isatis tinctoria also known as Isatis indigotica, woad or Ban Lan Gen (Family: Brassicaceae) are herbaceous plants native to Central Asia, South-eastern Russia and South-eastern Europe (Speranza et al 2020). This anti-inflammatory plant is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, as cosmetics raw material production and food in Europe (Speranza et al 2020).…”