http://www.gentianviolet.info/methylrosaniliniumchloride-manufacturers-uses.

htm Methylrosanilinium Chloride Gentian Violet USP NF Manufacturers Uses

Crystal violet or Gentian violet or Methylrosanilinium Chloride (also known as Methyl Violet 10B, hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride, or pyoctanine) is a triarylmethane dye. The dye is used as a histological stain and in Grams method of classifying bacteria. Crystal violet has antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic properties and was formerly important as a topical antiseptic. The medical use of the dye has been largely superseded by more modern drugs, although it is still listed by the World Health Organization.

The name "gentian violet" was originally used for a mixture of methyl pararosaniline dyes (methyl violet) but is now often considered a synonym for crystal violet. The name refers to its colour, being like that of the petals of a gentian flower; it is not made from gentians or from violets.

Crystal violet is not used as a textile dye. Instead it is used to dye paper and as a component of navy blue and black inks for printing, ball-point pens and ink-jet printers. It is also used to colourize diverse products such as fertilizers, anti-freezes, detergents, and leather jackets.

The dye is also used as a histological stain, particularly in Gram's method for classifying bacteria.

Gentian violet is an over-the-counter antiseptic dye used in treating and preventing fungal and infectious conditions since the late 1890s. Named because of its bright purple color, this topical liquid is in no way derived from violets. Today, you'll see gentian violet used to treat a variety of dermatological conditions, from fungal infections like thrush to infected eczema and ulcers to preventing infection in newborn infants' umbilical stumps.

It is commonly used for: Marking the skin for surgery preparation and allergy testing Tinea; e.g. Athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm Candida albicans and related infections; e.g. thrush, yeast infections Mouth ulcers Impetigo, used primarily before the advent of antibiotics, but still useful to persons who may be allergic to penicillin, as it cleans the open sores and prevents spread of the contagion

http://www.gentianviolet.info/methylrosaniliniumchloride-manufacturers-uses.htm Abrasion; It has also one of the best agents for "scabbing" up an abrasion or "strawberry" type of weeping wound where the flesh is abraded away. It will prevent infection in almost any wound or burn and quickly help the epithelium form a scab. It does not burn when applied and temporary skin discoloration is a minor side effect.

In short Gentian violet is an antiseptic dye used to treat fungal infections of the skin (e.g., ringworm, athlete's foot). It also has weak antibacterial effects and may be used on minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection.

In forensics, gentian violet was used to develop fingerprints. Crystal violet is also used as a tissue stain in the preparation of light microscopy sections. In laboratory, solutions containing crystal violet and formalin are often used to simultaneously fix and stain cells grown in tissue culture to preserve them and make them easily visible, since most cells are colourless. It is also sometimes used as a cheap way to put identification markings on laboratory mice since many strains of lab mice are albino so the purple colour stays on their fur for several weeks.

In body piercing, gentian violet is commonly used to mark the location for placing piercings, including surface piercings.

Gentian violet was once used as antiseptic for Singaporean prisoners who received caning. The solution was applied after the procedure.

Gentian Violet is also called Crystal Violet or Basic Violet #3, Methylrosanilinium Chloride thats the name in BP, Ph. Eur. and Hexamethyl-p-Rosaniline Chloride.

IUPAC Name is 4-[(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-phenyl-methyl]-N,N-dimethyl-aniline