Gentian Violet

Definition

A blue, aniline-derived dye with antifungal and antimitotic properties. Gentian violet (GV) dissociates into positive (GV+) and negative ions (Cl-) that penetrate both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cells. The GV+ ions interact with negatively charged components of the bacterial cell wall including lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and DNA. This agent is also a mutagen and mitotic poison. GV elicits a photodynamic action mediated by a free-radical mechanism. Furthermore, this agent dissipates the action potential on prokaryotic or eukaryotic membranes by inducing permeability, thereby leading to respiratory inhibition and subsequent cell death.

Also known as Basic Violet 3, CI 42555, Crystal Violet, Genapax, GENTIAN VIOLET, Hexamethyl-P-Rosaniline Chloride — per NCIT

Also identified as

• NCIT NCIT:C61776 per NCIT
• SCTID 387239001 per RXNORM
• SCTID 42638008 per RXNORM
• UNII J4Z741D6O5 per RXNORM

Indications