gentian violet is carcinogenic, etc.

[Guest guest]

Gentian Violet is a mild carcinogen (cancer causing agent) Studies at

the National Center for Toxicological Research (and similar studies

listed in the bibliography) have shown Gentian Violet to be a thyroid

and liver carcinogen for laboratory animals like rats, mice and

rabbits. Another reason is that Gentian Violet is toxic to the

sensitive cilia cells of the inner ear.

If some of the solution happens to seep through a perforated eardrum

it can cause a debilitating and permanent dizziness or deafness. A

third consideration is its reported effects on the fetus. Pregnant

animals in the Gentian Violet studies showed fetal abnormalities

including those to the musculoskeletal and urogenital systems.

Gentian violet also affected fertility and was deemed the cause of a

high rate of post-implantation mortality (either death or

reabsorption of the fetus). These factors make the product too big a

potential liability for a commercial production. The FDA has banned

its use as a food preservative anddiscourages its use in human

medical and veterinary preparations designed for chronic use (like

ear cleaners) although the agency seems to have no problem with

occasional use.

, there are so many other safe remedies to use instead of

gentian violet that are more effective as well.

Bee

wrote:>

> Is there any reason that gentian violet shouldn't be used? That

stuff works very well. (Anybody who's breast-fed a baby has heard

that remedy for thrush, and it works if you don't mind the purple

staining.) Just curious.

[Guest guest]

> , there are so many other safe remedies to use instead of

> gentian violet that are more effective as well.

I had no idea. See, that's why I ask questions.

I thought gentian violet was extracted from plant sources, but I can't

seem to figure out what made me think that. I'd heard tell of some people

developing blisters while trying to treat oral thrush, and that did

concern me, but I had NO idea it was bad stuff.

I would wonder though if in the studies you cited if the dosages were

normalized or if the test animals received unrealisticly high doses

compared with their body weight. IOW, if a baby has a 1% solution painted

on his mouth, would he be getting the same amount (normalized for weight)

that the test animals got?

I'm not trying to be argumentative. Honestly, I've never used the stuff.

I was just curious.

You listed some great alternatives. Hopefully, I won't have to go there,

but if my babies end up with thrush, I'll have some good ideas.

Thanks!

in IN