Iodine is available in many different forms. Since it was first prepared in1829 by a French physician, Lugols iodine solution, continues to play a major role in scientific research and everyday use. The solution is prepared by dissolving elemental iodine and the compound potassium iodide in water. It is diluted to various concentrations depending on the intended use. It is also known as iodine potassium iodide Markodine or 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.
In biochemistry, Markodine is used in detection of starch in some organic compounds. In the presence of starch there will be a blue black colour change. This is because the element interacts with the polysaccharides found in starch. It, however, does not detect simple sugars such as glucose, fructose and galactose. A similar pattern of staining is seen when testing for a condition known as amyloidosis although amyloid is actually protein and not starch.
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.
The solution has been used in a number of selected patients suffering from Graves disease. The disease is a severe form of hyperthyroidism. Administering the solution during thyroidectomy (removal of thyroid gland), helps in reducing blood loss. This benefit is, however, not seen in patients whose thyroid hormonal levels are within the normal ranges or in those that are on medication.
One of the earliest uses of the solution was the treatment of gout. With the discovery of better drugs, it has been dropped from the list of the commonly used drugs for the condition. The same trend has been witnessed in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. In the latter case, it has fallen out of favour due to its ability to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis. This is termed the Wolff Chaikoff phenomenon.
In the marine and aquarium industry, the compound is vital for macroalgae growth and for the survival of coral reef inhabitants. This effect is believed to be the result of a reduction in the number of unwanted bacteria and parasites within the same habitat. The other major benefit is the expansion of polyps and prevention of coral bleaching in instances where the light intensity is abnormally high.
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.
In biochemistry, Markodine is used in detection of starch in some organic compounds. In the presence of starch there will be a blue black colour change. This is because the element interacts with the polysaccharides found in starch. It, however, does not detect simple sugars such as glucose, fructose and galactose. A similar pattern of staining is seen when testing for a condition known as amyloidosis although amyloid is actually protein and not starch.
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.
The solution has been used in a number of selected patients suffering from Graves disease. The disease is a severe form of hyperthyroidism. Administering the solution during thyroidectomy (removal of thyroid gland), helps in reducing blood loss. This benefit is, however, not seen in patients whose thyroid hormonal levels are within the normal ranges or in those that are on medication.
One of the earliest uses of the solution was the treatment of gout. With the discovery of better drugs, it has been dropped from the list of the commonly used drugs for the condition. The same trend has been witnessed in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. In the latter case, it has fallen out of favour due to its ability to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis. This is termed the Wolff Chaikoff phenomenon.
In the marine and aquarium industry, the compound is vital for macroalgae growth and for the survival of coral reef inhabitants. This effect is believed to be the result of a reduction in the number of unwanted bacteria and parasites within the same habitat. The other major benefit is the expansion of polyps and prevention of coral bleaching in instances where the light intensity is abnormally high.
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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