Indigofera tinctoria

Other names: Indian Paintbrush

The indigo tree, known professionally as Indigofera tinctoria, is a plant native to tropical regions of Asia and occasionally Africa. It is a member of the legume family and is particularly well known for its ability to produce indigo, a blue dye that has been used extensively in the past to dye textiles. Nowadays, however, it can also be found in various types of cosmetics or food.

The indigo dye plant is quite easy to cultivate and the use of indigo is nowadays mainly limited to traditional dyeing techniques in Asia. In terms of use, however, the plant is not limited to the production of blue dye. The leaves of the plant also produce indigo carmine, a substance used as a food colouring, designated E132. This food colouring is always governed by current European regulations and is therefore safe to consume, and is used, for example, to colour confectionery, desserts or certain types of cheese. The cosmetics industry appreciates its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which make it used in certain types of shampoos, creams and lip balms.