cetraria islandica

Cetraria islandica is a lichen native to northern and alpine regions of Europe, traditionally known as Iceland moss. It is composed primarily of polysaccharides (lichenan, isolichenan), lichen acids (protolichesterinic, fumarprotocetraric, protocetraric), and usnic acid. The main medicinal uses are for the relief of respiratory (cough, bronchitis, sore throat, hoarseness) and digestive disorders (indigestion, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, mild gastrointestinal irritation). Additional uses include treatment of mouth and throat irritation, temporary appetite loss, and topical application for wounds and boils. Mechanistically, attributed actions are immunomodulatory (promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10), demulcent (soothing to mucous membranes), mild antimicrobial (notably against certain Gram-positive bacteria and Helicobacter pylori), and antioxidant effects. Its main route of use is oral (teas, extracts, lozenges, syrups), with some topical formulations. It is not a conventional pharmaceutical but rather a traditional herbal medicinal product, and is commonly available as a dietary supplement.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Brand names

Iceland moss

Other names

Iceland lichenLichen islandicusIcelandic lichen