Iodine, in its various forms, has numerous applications. It has been almost two centuries now since lugols iodine solution was first constituted. A brilliant French physician created the now popular compound by mixing potassium iodide with elemental iodine and dissolving them in water. It is possible to dilute it to various concentrations depending on the use. Other terms used to describe the solution include Strong solution, iodine potassium iodide and Markodine.
Markodine is available as an over the counter formulations such as gels, tinctures and ointments. These formulations are mainly designed for topical use where there is a need to disinfect minor skin injuries. It is common to mix the iodine with another ingredient known as povidone so as to increase the effectiveness. Another major application is the use in disinfection of water especially in emergency situation.
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 solution is widely used in cervical cancer screening. In this test, it is applied on the vaginal wall and on the cervix under the exposure of an instrument known as a colposcope. Since normal vaginal and cervical tissues have a high amount of glycogen, they will stain brown. Abnormal or suspicious tissues do not stain adequately and appear paler. It is the light staining areas that are used to provide biopsy specimens for histological examination.
Markodine is used in the management of selected patients with Graves disease as they undergo surgery (thyroidectomy). Graves disease is a severe form of hyperthyroidism. It has been established through research that when administered intraoperatively, the solution reduces the amount of blood loss. This benefit may not be seen in patients whose thyroid function is normal or those that are on antithyroid 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.
The element iodine is required for the growth of macroalgae and coral reef inhabitants. As a result, it is widely used in the marine aquarium industry. The role of the solution is thought to be in the removal of unwanted parasites and bacteria. Other benefits include enhancement of polyp expansion and the prevention of coral bleaching in the presence of increased light intensity.
When used in excess, the compound may have some unwanted effects on the body. At low dilutions, it is said to have an irritating and corrosive effect on the stomach mucosa. This may be encountered when conducting endoscopic examinations. Generally, however, it is regarded as being safe.
Markodine is available as an over the counter formulations such as gels, tinctures and ointments. These formulations are mainly designed for topical use where there is a need to disinfect minor skin injuries. It is common to mix the iodine with another ingredient known as povidone so as to increase the effectiveness. Another major application is the use in disinfection of water especially in emergency situation.
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 solution is widely used in cervical cancer screening. In this test, it is applied on the vaginal wall and on the cervix under the exposure of an instrument known as a colposcope. Since normal vaginal and cervical tissues have a high amount of glycogen, they will stain brown. Abnormal or suspicious tissues do not stain adequately and appear paler. It is the light staining areas that are used to provide biopsy specimens for histological examination.
Markodine is used in the management of selected patients with Graves disease as they undergo surgery (thyroidectomy). Graves disease is a severe form of hyperthyroidism. It has been established through research that when administered intraoperatively, the solution reduces the amount of blood loss. This benefit may not be seen in patients whose thyroid function is normal or those that are on antithyroid 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.
The element iodine is required for the growth of macroalgae and coral reef inhabitants. As a result, it is widely used in the marine aquarium industry. The role of the solution is thought to be in the removal of unwanted parasites and bacteria. Other benefits include enhancement of polyp expansion and the prevention of coral bleaching in the presence of increased light intensity.
When used in excess, the compound may have some unwanted effects on the body. At low dilutions, it is said to have an irritating and corrosive effect on the stomach mucosa. This may be encountered when conducting endoscopic examinations. Generally, however, it is regarded as being safe.
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