malachite green

Malachite green is an organic compound classified as a triphenylmethane dye. It is primarily used as a dye in various industries and as a therapeutic agent in aquaculture to control fungal infections (notably *Saprolegnia*), protozoan infections, and some helminth diseases in fish and aquatic organisms[1][3][4][5]. Malachite green acts by intercalating with DNA—preferentially binding to A:T-rich regions—which can disrupt cellular processes such as DNA replication[5][6]. This mechanism underlies both its antimicrobial effects and its cytotoxicity. In mammalian cells, malachite green exhibits marked cytotoxicity, induces cell transformation, lipid peroxidation, and has been associated with carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, chromosomal fractures, teratogenicity, and respiratory toxicity[1][4][5]. Its use in food-producing animals is controversial due to concerns about human toxicity from residues.

Other names

aniline greenbenzaldehyde greenchina green