Oak Moss Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Oak Moss Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Oak moss is considered possibly safe when used orally in prepared teas or aqueous forms for short periods of time. However, it is likely unsafe when used orally long-term, in large amounts of tea, or as a hot alcoholic extract. These formulations may contain toxic substances such as ethyl ester and thujone that can cause kidney damage. There have also been case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with usnic acid, a constituent of oak moss. It is important to note that there is insufficient information available about the safety of oak moss when used topically. Pregnant women and lactating women should avoid the oral use of oak moss due to its potential uterine stimulant effects.

How Is Oak Moss Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Oak moss contains various constituents such as usnic acid, evernic acid, and thujone. These constituents contribute to the different mechanisms of action observed:

• Analgesic effects: Usnic acid, a constituent of oak moss, can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which may help reduce pain.
• Antibacterial effects: Oak moss extract has shown activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and this is believed to be due to the constituents usnic acid and/or evernic acid.
• Anticancer effects: Usnic acid has shown preliminary evidence of anti-proliferative activity against leukemia cells. It also exhibits cytotoxic effects and inhibits the growth of other cancer cell lines.
• Antifungal effects: Oak moss extract has demonstrated activity against Candida albicans.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Usnic acid has been found to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Antioxidant effects: Oak moss extract acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Antiparasitic effects: Usnic acid has shown antiprotozoal activity and can cause parasitic lysis.
• Antipyretic effects: Usnic acid can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which may help reduce fever.
• Antiviral effects: Usnic acid exhibits antiviral activity and can inhibit RNA transcription.
• Cardiovascular effects: Oak moss has shown interest in its potential use for hypertension. It induces vasodilation, possibly through a specific pathway involved in blood flow regulation.
• Gastroprotective effects: Usnic acid has demonstrated gastroprotective effects in animal models of gastric ulcers, likely due to its antioxidant properties.
• Hepatotoxic effects: Thujone in oak moss might exacerbate liver conditions, while usnic acid is known to cause hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress and disruption of cellular metabolic processes.
• Neurologic effects: Oak moss contains thujone, which can cause psychoactive effects similar to cannabis intoxication.
• Uterine effects: The thujone content in oak moss suggests potential uterine stimulant effects.
• Weight loss: Usnic acid in oak moss has been used in dietary supplements for weight loss due to its hypothesized role in uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, leading to the burning of excess stored fats.

Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of oak moss.

Interaction Overview

No known drug interactions have been reported with oak moss. However, caution should be exercised when using other thujone-containing herbs alongside oak moss. Cross-allergic reactions may occur in individuals with lichen and moss allergies. People with kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria should also be cautious when using oak moss.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

The most common side effects of oak moss include contact sensitivity and allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with lichen and moss allergies. Usnic acid, a constituent of oak moss, can also cause conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, and local irritation. Large amounts or long-term use of oak moss may lead to convulsions, kidney damage, liver damage, restlessness, tremors, vertigo, and vomiting.

Effectiveness

There is insufficient reliable evidence to rate oak moss for specific uses such as cough. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

Dosing & Administration

Research on the dosing of oak moss is limited, and typical dosing information is not available.

Standardization & Formulation

There is insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of oak moss.

Drugs that interact with Oak Moss