gentian violet

Gentian violet is a synthetic antiseptic dye with antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has been used in medicine since the late 19th century as a topical agent for minor skin infections (cuts, scrapes, burns), fungal infections of the skin and mouth (such as thrush), and occasionally for other dermatological conditions. Mechanistically, gentian violet acts by dissociating into ions that penetrate microbial cell walls; its cationic form binds to negatively charged components such as lipopolysaccharides and DNA in bacteria and fungi. This binding disrupts cell function by inhibiting DNA replication and causing mutations or cell death. Gentian violet also exhibits photodynamic activity via free-radical mechanisms and can dissipate membrane potential in microbes leading to respiratory inhibition[2][5]. It is available over-the-counter in various topical formulations.

Brand names

Gentian Violet Anti-InfectiveGentian Violet 1% liquid

Other names

crystal violetmethylrosaniline chloridehexamethyl pararosaniline chloride