Azulene
- H.Kitaoka
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
### What is the blue medicine "azulene"?
──Explaining the secret that works on mucous membrane problems, from sore throats to gastritis
When you have a cold, your throat feels itchy. Your mouth ulcers sting. At times like these, you often see mouthwashes and lozenges containing "azulene" on the shelves of pharmacies. Recently, it has been seen more often on TV commercials, and many people may recognize azulene as an ingredient that works on the throat.
So what exactly is this ingredient "azulene"? Why is it effective on the throat? What medicines does it contain? We will explain it in an easy-to-understand way from a pharmacist's perspective.
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### ■Azulene's roots are in "blue natural ingredients"
Azulene is originally an ingredient extracted from the essential oils of herbs such as chamomile and mugwort, and has a beautiful **blue-purple color. In fact, in Europe, this blue ingredient has been used since ancient times to treat rough skin and wounds.
However, natural azulene is very unstable and changes quickly, so it is not stable enough to be used as a medicine. Therefore, a synthetic compound called "**Sodium Azulene Sulfonate (Na Azulene Sulfonate)**" was developed. This is widely used in medical settings and over-the-counter drugs, and is a pharmaceutical ingredient that inherits the good parts of natural azulene while improving its stability and safety.
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### ■Main effects are "anti-inflammatory" and "mucosal protection"
The most distinctive feature of azulene is its "**anti-inflammatory effect**". Inflammation is a biological reaction in which the body responds to damage or foreign substances and becomes swollen or red. Swollen throats caused by colds and pain from stomatitis are also types of inflammation. Azulene works to relieve this inflammation and suppress pain and swelling.
It also has the effect of "**helping to repair mucous membranes**". For example, when the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, stomach, etc. are rough, azulene protects those areas and promotes regeneration. This action is expected to reduce unpleasant symptoms in a wide range of areas, including the mouth, pharynx, and stomach.
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### ■In what situations is it used?
The typical symptoms and preparations in which azulene is used are as follows.
#### [1] Sore throat/discomfort
When the throat is inflamed due to colds, influenza, hay fever, etc., gargles and lozenges containing azulene are used. By acting directly on the affected area, swelling and pain are relieved.
#### [2] Stomatitis and gingivitis
If the mucous membrane in the mouth is inflamed, spray-type preparations or gargles are used to suppress inflammation. It may also be used to prevent inflammation after dental procedures.
#### [3] Gastritis/stomach ulcers
It may be surprising, but azulene is also included in stomach medicines. When the stomach mucosa becomes rough, it may be prescribed as an oral medication to soothe inflammation and help repair (for example, in combination with Selbex, etc.).
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### ■Is it safe? What about side effects?
Azulene is known as a drug with relatively few side effects. Even though it is an oral drug, most of it has a local effect (hard to be absorbed into the body), so the systemic effect is very small. For this reason, it is widely used as an ingredient that can be used safely by people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
However, in rare cases, allergic reactions (such as rashes) may occur, so caution is required if you have used it in the past.
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### ■Not a cure-all! Limitations you should know
Azulene is merely a supportive agent that "suppresses inflammation," and does not cure the "cause itself." For example, in cases of severe throat swelling due to bacterial infection, viral stomatitis, and stomach ulcers, antibiotics, antivirals, and antacids may be required.
In other words, azulene is one of the "symptomatic treatments." It is like a "behind the scenes hero" that relieves painful symptoms and helps the body recover.
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### ■ Summary: Use the power of blue medicine well
Azulene is a blue anti-inflammatory ingredient made from natural ingredients derived from chamomile, and is a gentle medicine that relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, mouth, and stomach. It is a safe ingredient that is easy to incorporate into self-care, and it is expected that demand will increase in the future.
However, if symptoms persist or pain or swelling is severe, do not endure it, but consult a doctor or pharmacist. With the correct knowledge and usage, we want to make the most of the power of azulene.
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