Evidence supporting the use of: Lichen
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lichens have been traditionally used in some cultures for their medicinal properties, including treatment of infections. Scientifically, lichens are known to produce a variety of secondary metabolites (such as usnic acid, atranorin, and others) that possess antimicrobial properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts from various lichen species exhibit antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens, including some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Usnic acid, in particular, has been studied for its effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, most evidence for their use as antibiotic alternatives comes from laboratory studies rather than clinical trials in humans. There are very few, if any, rigorous clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of lichen extracts in treating bacterial infections in humans. Therefore, while the scientific basis for their antibacterial activity is established in vitro, the translation to effective and safe therapeutic alternatives to conventional antibiotics remains unproven. Safety concerns, especially regarding usnic acid’s hepatotoxicity, also limit its clinical application. Thus, the evidence supporting lichen as an antibiotic alternative is limited and preliminary, warranting a low to moderate evidence rating.

More about lichen
More about Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

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3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Acemannan
Ajoene
Alantolactone
Alchornea
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Allicin
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alpha-terpineol
Alstonia scholaris
anamu
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astragalus
aucubin
azelaic acid
Bacillus
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bacillus subtilis
bacteria
baicalin
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Basidiomycota
bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
berberine
betulinic acid
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black walnut
Blue-Green Alage
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Brazilian peppertree
Brevibacillus laterosporus
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butyric acid
Calotropis gigantea
capric acid
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caterpillar mushroom
Centipeda
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Chinese raisintree
cinnamaldehyde
cinnamic acid
citral
Clerodendrum indicum
Clostridium butyricum
clove
coconut
coconut oil
colostrum
copaiba oil
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
Dichrostachys glomerata
Embelia
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
eugenol
European Elder
flavonoids
Fomes fomentarius
fungus
gallic acid
garlic
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geranium
ginger
glyceryl monolaurate
golden shower tree
goldenseal
gooseberry
green tea
Guava
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honey
honeysuckle
horseradish
Houttuynia
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Isatis
isoquinoline alkaloids
Kefir
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lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
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Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus johnsonii
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Lactococcus lactis
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lauric acid
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Lentinula edodes mycelia
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
Litsea
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lysozyme
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melaleuca alternifolia
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phlorotannins
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Physalis angulata
pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
Platycodon
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Pleurotus eryngii
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rhizome
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sage
saponins
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Products containing lichen

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