Evidence supporting the use of: Usnea
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Usnea, commonly known as "old man's beard," is a type of lichen used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European, Asian, and Native American practices. The traditional use of Usnea is primarily as an antimicrobial and wound-healing agent, rather than specifically for acne. Its known active constituent, usnic acid, has demonstrated antibacterial properties in laboratory settings, particularly against some Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. However, there is little direct evidence from clinical studies that supports the use of Usnea specifically for acne treatment. Acne is often associated with Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), and while some in vitro studies suggest Usnea extracts or usnic acid may inhibit certain bacteria, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its efficacy or safety for this indication in humans. The use of Usnea for acne is thus rooted in its overall traditional use as a topical antimicrobial, rather than based on strong scientific or clinical validation for acne specifically. No high-quality randomized controlled trials have established its effectiveness for acne, and safety concerns exist regarding usnic acid when used internally. In summary, while Usnea is traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties, its specific application for acne is not well supported by scientific evidence.

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