Iceland moss

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Revision as of 23:41, January 16, 2022 by Notjusttired (talk | contribs) (create)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

Cetraria islandica L. Ach or Lichen islandicus or Iceland moss or Iceland lichen is an edible moss used as a food supplement, and for making soaps and cold creams.[1][2]

Iceland moss has been analysed and found to contain the compounds:

  • protolichesterinic acid
  • lichesterinic acid
  • protocetraric acid and
  • fumarprotocetraric acid[3]

Analysis suggests that these compounds may be active on the targets of Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness - these targets are riboflavin kinase, sterol-14α-demethylase (CYP51), rohedsain and glutathione synthetase.[3]

Theory

Evidence

The European Medicines Agency has stated there is enough evidence for the use of Iceland moss for agent for treating mouth and throat irritation and associated dry cough, and for temporary loss of appetite in adults, adolescents and children aged over six years-old.[4]

Freysdottir et al (2008) found that Iceland Moss had anti-inflammatory properties and acted as an immunomodulator in rats and human cells.[5] It may also have antioxidant effects.[6]

Clinicians

Risks and safety

Costs and availability

It is available in powdered form aa a supplement.

See also

Learn more

References