Botanical Profile
Iceland moss is not a flowering plant, but a lichen. The lichen thallus used as a raw material is known as Lichen islandicus.
Cetraria islandica is a fruticose lichen of the Parmeliaceae. The thallus is upright to ascending, strongly branched and olive-green to brownish in colour. The lobe-like branches have rolled margins and become darker and brittle when dry. The lichen grows in arctic, subarctic and montane regions of Europe, Asia and North America, particularly in heathlands, bogs, open coniferous forests and alpine habitats.
Phytochemistry
Iceland moss contains polysaccharides such as lichenin and isolichenin as well as characteristic lichen substances and bitter compounds such as cetraric acid, protocetraric acid and fumarprotocetraric acid. The combination of polysaccharides and lichen acids clearly distinguishes Lichen islandicus from classical flowering-plant herbal drugs.
Traditional Uses
Cetraria islandica has a long history of use in northern and central Europe. Historically, the lichen was also used as an emergency food, with bitter compounds reduced through processing. EMA/HMPC, WHO, ESCOP and the European Pharmacopoeia list Iceland moss as a distinct traditional herbal drug.
Current Research
Research on Cetraria islandica investigates polysaccharides, lichen acids, bitter compounds, bioindicator functions and ecological adaptations. Lichen substances are of particular interest in natural-products chemistry, taxonomy and ecological research.
Sources
- EMA/HMPC: European Union herbal monograph on Cetraria islandica (L.) Acharius, thallus
- WHO: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Lichen islandicus
- ESCOP: ESCOP Monographs – Cetraria islandica
- European Pharmacopoeia: Lichen islandicus
- Standard reference: Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Isländisch Moos
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.