Description
Gentian violet M.S., also known as crystal violet or methyl violet, is a synthetic dye belonging to the class of triarylmethane dyes. It appears as a dark purple crystalline powder and is commonly used as a biological stain and antimicrobial agent.
In microbiology and histology, gentian violet is utilized as a staining agent to visualize bacterial and fungal cells under a microscope. It stains gram-positive bacteria purple and is also used in the Gram staining technique to differentiate between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Additionally, gentian violet exhibits antifungal and antiseptic properties, making it useful in the treatment of fungal infections, such as thrush and athlete’s foot. It is applied topically as a solution or ointment to affected areas.