Iceland moss

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.

Iceland moss has been analysed and found to contain the compounds:
 * protolichesterinic acid
 * lichesterinic acid
 * protocetraric acid and
 * fumarprotocetraric acid

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.

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.

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

Costs and availability
It is available in powdered form as a supplement.

Learn more

 * Iceland Moss - WebMD
 * European Medicines Agency