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

• Authors: Alexander M. Maley, Emory University; Jack Arbiser, Emory University
• Journal Title: Experimental Dermatology
• Volume: Volume 22, Number 12
• Publisher: Wiley: 12 months | 2013-12-01, Pages 775-780
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/exd.12257
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Dermatology; crystal violet; Gentian Violet; triphenylmethane dye; CRYSTAL VIOLET; HEMORRHAGIC CYSTITIS; URINARY CATHETERS; GENETIC TOXICITY; CANDIDA SPP.; INFECTION; THERAPY; CANCER; DYES; CARCINOGENICITY

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.