hematoxylin

Description: Hematoxylin (also known as Hydroxybrazilin; Natural Black 1) is a natural compound that forms strongly colored complexes with certain metal ions, notably Fe(III) and Al(III) salts and a kind of stain in histology. It is extracted from the bark of the logwood tree. Metal-haematein complexes are used to stain cell nuclei prior to examination under a microscope. Structures that stain with iron- or aluminium-haematein are often called basophilic, even though the mechanism of the staining is different from that of staining with basic dyes. Haematoxylin and eosin stain is one of the most commonly used stains in histology.

References: J Pharm Clin Sci, 2011, 1, 24-34.