The health benefits of violet laser therapy

Are you using violet laser therapy in your practice? Here’s an introduction to this versatile tool.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is defined as “a light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing light sources, including lasers, LEDs and broad-band light, in the visible and infrared spectrum. It is a non-thermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical, i.e., linear and non-linear, and photochemical events at various biological scales. This process results in beneficial therapeutic outcomes, including but not limited to the alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration (NAALT).”¹

Violet laser therapy, a subset of PBM, is gaining significant attention for its diverse health benefits. Violet light falls within the 380-450 nm wavelength range.² However, discrepancies exist in the literature regarding which wavelengths constitute violet and blue light. Sometimes, they are referred to as violet/blue, comprising the 400-500 nm range.³

Antimicrobial properties

One of the standout benefits of violet laser therapy is its potent antimicrobial activity. Particularly at the 405-nm wavelength, the violet laser has demonstrated significant antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. This efficacy is primarily due to the photoexcitation of endogenous porphyrins, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage bacterial membranes, DNA and lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown that violet laser therapy can effectively inhibit the growth of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multi-drug-resistant bacteria, making it a valuable tool in combating hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).^4-7

Applications in wound healing and dermatological effects

Studies have demonstrated that PBM promotes tissue repair by enhancing vasodilation and angiogenesis, improving capillary and vascular circulation, stimulating ATP synthesis, increasing fibroblast activity and collagen deposition and improving connective tissue repair. Violet laser therapy contributes to wound healing not only through these mechanisms but also by leveraging its antimicrobial potential.³ Clinical applications have included the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers, demonstrating faster recovery times and improved outcomes.^8-10

In dermatology, violet laser therapy is used for various skin conditions, including acne and bacterial infections. Devices which use an array of LEDs in the 405-460 nm range have been effective in reducing acne by targeting and destroying acne-causing bacteria.¹¹ Additionally, the combination of violet and near-infrared (NIR) light has shown benefits in treating other dermatological conditions, such as erythema, enhancing overall skin health.¹² This combined treatment has also shown anti-aging effects, such as reducing pore size, enhancing skin radiance and smoothing fine wrinkles, significantly enhancing aesthetic and surgical aesthetic procedures.¹³

Dentistry

In dentistry, violet laser therapy is utilized for its antimicrobial properties, aiding in the treatment of oral infections and improving overall oral health, such as plaque reduction and gingivitis treatment.¹⁴ Studies have also observed that irradiation with LED devices in the blue-violet range can form clots and induce hemostasis after tooth extraction, thus preventing bleeding.^15,16

Final thoughts on violet laser therapy

Violet laser therapy offers a wide range of health benefits, from antimicrobial effects to wound healing, extensive dermatological applications and even as an aid in dental treatments. Its ability to induce biological changes without thermal effects makes it a versatile and safe treatment option. As research continues to evolve, violet laser therapy holds the potential to revolutionize the way we approach various medical conditions, providing a noninvasive and effective treatment alternative​​.

FRANCISCO CIDRAL, ND, MSC, PHD, POSTDOC, is the founder and CEO of Scientifica Consulting. He holds a MSc and PhD in neurosciences and a postdoctorate in health sciences. Cidral is a professor of integrative medicine and neurophysiology, with a specialization in laser acupuncture and photobiomodulation. He has authored more than 35 scientific publications and books. Cidral is a board member of various scientific journals and international research groups. He can be contacted at cidral@scientificaconsulting.com.

References

1. North American Association for Light Therapy. 2014 NAALT/WALT Meeting Nomenclature Breakout. 2015. https://www.naalt.org/whitepapers/2014-naalt-walt-meeting-nomenclature-breakout/. Accessed August 27, 2024.
2. Kelley T. Violet. Encyclopedia Britannica. November 2023. https://www.britannica.com/science/violet. Accessed August 27, 2024.
3. Prado TP, et al. Photobiomodulation with blue light on wound healing: A scoping review. Life (Basel). 2023;13(2):575. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36836932/. Accessed August 27, 2024.
4. Leanse LG, et al. Antimicrobial blue light: A magic bullet for the 21st century and beyond? Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2022;180:114057. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34800566/. Accessed August 27, 2024.
5. Maknuna L, et al. Inhibitory effect of 405 nm laser light on bacterial biofilm in urethral stent. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):3908. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36890147/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
6. Kushibiki T, et al. Blue laser irradiation generates intracellular reactive oxygen species in various types of cells. Photomed Laser Surg. 2013;31(3):95-104. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23390956/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
7. Biener G, et al. Blue/violet laser inactivates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by altering its transmembrane potential. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017;170:118-124. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28426977/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
8. Dini V, Mosti G, Gasperini S. Observations made on three patients suffering from ulcers of the lower limbs treated with blue light. Chronic Wound Care Manag. Res. 2018;5:23–28. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328002689_Observations_made_on_three_patients_suffering_from_ulcers_of_the_lower_limbs_treated_with_Blue_Light. Accessed August 28, 2024.
9. Romanelli M, et al. Blue light emission in the management of hard-to-heal wounds. Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2021;156(6):709-713. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32720788/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
10. Sandri G, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy: A new light in the treatment of systemic sclerosis skin ulcers. Rheumatol Ther. 2022; 9(3):891-905. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9127012/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
11. Gold MH, et al. Clinical and usability study to determine the safety and efficacy of the Silk’n Blue Device for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2014;16(3):108–113. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24143960/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
12. Trelles M, et al. Accelerated reduction of post-skin-resurfacing erythema and discomfort with a combination of non-thermal blue and near infrared light. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005;7(2):93-96. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16537215/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
13. Lask G, et al. The utilization of nonthermal blue (405-425 nm) and near infrared (850-890 nm) light in aesthetic dermatology and surgery-a multicenter study. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005;7(3-4):163-170. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414904/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
14. Genina EA, et al. Adjunctive dental therapy via tooth plaque reduction and gingivitis treatment by blue light-emitting diodes tooth brushing. J Biomed Opt. 2015;20(12):128004. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26720884/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
15. Veleska-Stevkoska D, Koneski F. Haemostasis in oral surgery with blue-violet light. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(4):687-691. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29731942/. Accessed August 28, 2024.
16. Ishikawa I, et al. Blue-violet light emitting diode (LED) irradiation immediately controls socket bleeding following tooth extraction: clinical and electron microscopic observations. Photomed Laser Surg. 2011; 29(5):333-338. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21495857/. Accessed August 28, 2024.