517-28-2 Hematoxylin 98% Purity Certificated

Hematoxylin is a natural dye that has been widely used in histology and pathology for staining tissues. It is derived from the heartwood of various tropical and subtropical trees, particularly the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum). Hematoxylin is commonly used in combination with other dyes, such as eosin, to provide contrast and facilitate the visualization of cellular structures under a microscope.

When used as a histological stain, hematoxylin selectively stains certain components of cells and tissues, primarily the nuclei. It imparts a blue or purple color to the nuclei, allowing for the identification and examination of cell morphology, nuclear details, and tissue architecture. Hematoxylin stains nucleic acids, particularly DNA, due to its affinity for the phosphate groups in the DNA backbone.

Hematoxylin staining is often part of a staining protocol called hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), which is one of the most commonly used staining techniques in histology. In the H&E staining, hematoxylin is used as the nuclear stain, while eosin, a red counterstain, is used to stain cytoplasm and other components of the tissue. The combination of hematoxylin and eosin staining provides a broad overview of tissue morphology and is essential for the diagnosis and classification of various diseases.

It's worth noting that hematoxylin staining protocols may vary depending on the specific laboratory or application. Different formulations and modifications of hematoxylin solutions exist to achieve desired staining intensity and specificity. Additionally, hematoxylin staining requires appropriate fixation, dehydration, and clearing steps to ensure optimal results.