Iodine is one of the most widely used elements both domestically and industrially. A French physician was the person to ever use lugols iodine solution in the year 1829. He prepared it by mixing elemental iodine with potassium iodide and dissolving in water. Today, the resultant compound is widely used in domestic and industrial application. Its use has been especially appreciated in scientific research. It is also known by other terms such as Markodine, iodine potassium iodide and Strong solution.
The compound is available in an over the counter form as an ointment, tincture or gel. This form is used as a disinfectant especially when dealing with minor injuries to the skin. When applied topically, it is commonly it is mixed with povidone to increase its effectiveness. The tincture is also known to be useful in emergency disinfection of water. The mechanism of action of the compound in this case is not clear.
Lugols is widely used in biochemical experiments. The most notable is the testing of starch presence in organic molecules. When a compound containing starch is placed in the presence of iodine there is a characteristic blue black reaction. This is due to the interaction of the compound with polysaccharide molecules found in starch. A similar reaction is seen with a disease known as amyloidosis.
The compound is important in management of some types of cancers particularly cervical cancer. In this test, the solution is used to stain the entire cervix and part of the upper vagina. Normal tissues take the whole stain and appear dark brown when examined under a colposcope. The abnormal tissues do not stain entirely and appear paler. The pathologist selects these areas for taking of biopsies.
Patients suffering from Graves disease, a severe form of hyperthyroidism, may benefit from a small dose of the compound when undergoing surgery. It has been suggested by some experts that the compound may reduce blood loss associated with thyroidectomy. This effect is not seen in patients that have euthyroid hormone levels or in those on antithyroid medication.
In the early years of its discovery, the solution was an important treatment of gout. With scientific advancement over the years, it has fallen out of favour. The same fate has befallen it for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in which case it had been the first line drug for a long time. The main side effect associated with it was inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis (also known as the Wolff Chaikoff effect).
Macroalgae require elemental iodine for growth and survival. The element is also important for other coral reef inhabitants. For these reasons, it is heavily used in the maintenance of marine ecosystems. Its effects are mainly due to its ability to significantly reduce the number of harmful bacteria and parasites. The other major benefits are the prevention of coral reef bleaching and polyp expansion.
In excessive levels Lugols may be harmful to the body. Undiluted solutions are both irritating and destructive to the mucosa particularly that of the stomach and the esophagus. This has been seen in some cases of endoscopic examination. Generally, however, it is considered to have low toxicity.
The compound is available in an over the counter form as an ointment, tincture or gel. This form is used as a disinfectant especially when dealing with minor injuries to the skin. When applied topically, it is commonly it is mixed with povidone to increase its effectiveness. The tincture is also known to be useful in emergency disinfection of water. The mechanism of action of the compound in this case is not clear.
Lugols is widely used in biochemical experiments. The most notable is the testing of starch presence in organic molecules. When a compound containing starch is placed in the presence of iodine there is a characteristic blue black reaction. This is due to the interaction of the compound with polysaccharide molecules found in starch. A similar reaction is seen with a disease known as amyloidosis.
The compound is important in management of some types of cancers particularly cervical cancer. In this test, the solution is used to stain the entire cervix and part of the upper vagina. Normal tissues take the whole stain and appear dark brown when examined under a colposcope. The abnormal tissues do not stain entirely and appear paler. The pathologist selects these areas for taking of biopsies.
Patients suffering from Graves disease, a severe form of hyperthyroidism, may benefit from a small dose of the compound when undergoing surgery. It has been suggested by some experts that the compound may reduce blood loss associated with thyroidectomy. This effect is not seen in patients that have euthyroid hormone levels or in those on antithyroid medication.
In the early years of its discovery, the solution was an important treatment of gout. With scientific advancement over the years, it has fallen out of favour. The same fate has befallen it for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in which case it had been the first line drug for a long time. The main side effect associated with it was inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis (also known as the Wolff Chaikoff effect).
Macroalgae require elemental iodine for growth and survival. The element is also important for other coral reef inhabitants. For these reasons, it is heavily used in the maintenance of marine ecosystems. Its effects are mainly due to its ability to significantly reduce the number of harmful bacteria and parasites. The other major benefits are the prevention of coral reef bleaching and polyp expansion.
In excessive levels Lugols may be harmful to the body. Undiluted solutions are both irritating and destructive to the mucosa particularly that of the stomach and the esophagus. This has been seen in some cases of endoscopic examination. Generally, however, it is considered to have low toxicity.
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