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Derived from the root of the isatis plant, which is a source of indigo dye. This botanical has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It is used in combination with other herbs to treat the common cold, sore throat, mumps, respiratory aliments, other febrile diseases and malignant tumors. The leaves of this plant are one of the eight ingredients used in PC-SPES, an herbal formula used to treat prostate cancer. This herb is also used in Danggui Longhui Wan, a formula used to treat chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in China. Studies indicate that isatis plant has antimicrobial, antiviral and immunostimulatory effects. Isatis root eyedrops can be used for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. In addition, the results of a small randomized clinical study indicated that isatis root may be effective for reducing the severity of radiation mucositis. An animal study suggested that isatis root extract may have radioprotective effects. Anecdotal reports indicate that isatis root can be used to ward off Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). However, more studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.