Usnea Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Herb Pharm
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Usnea against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Usnea is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat, skin and wound care, respiratory infections.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Usnea by Herb Pharm
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract. Usnea is a lichen—a partnership between fungus and algae—traditionally used in herbal medicine.
The liquid is suspended in certified organic cane alcohol as an inactive ingredient.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold on usnea for cough, pain, wound healing, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and obesity is insufficient to establish that it works for any of these uses. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the reliable research isn't there yet to say one way or the other.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Oral usnea may be unsafe because of usnic acid, a compound in the lichen that's been linked to liver damage. The facts advise against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to not enough safety data.
Topically, usnea is generally well tolerated, though it can cause contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and local irritation in some people. Because this is a liquid extract for internal use, liver safety is a real concern you should discuss with your pharmacist or doctor beforehand.
Meds to double-check
No known interactions
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. However, because oral usnea carries a liver-damage risk, mention this product to your pharmacist if you take anything that also stresses your liver—they can advise whether it's safe to combine.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.
Usnea extract is traditionally used but lacks reliable evidence for its intended purposes. The main safety issue is oral usnic acid and liver damage risk.
If you're considering this, talk to your pharmacist first—especially if you have liver problems or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This isn't one to start without a conversation.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2019.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Usnea, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Herb Pharm |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 090700002398 |
| Net contents | 4 fl. Oz.; 120 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 24, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 203451 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Usnea by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract | 570 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: certified organic Cane Alcohol
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use Shake well before using Add 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 5 times per day. Best taken between meals.
Precautions
Keep out of the reach of children
Storage
Store away from heat & light
General
013
Formula
Usnea spp.
Usnea liquid extract
We prepare our Usnea Extract from various species of Usnea lichens which have been responsibly wildcrafted in their natural habitat.
General Statements
Cleanse & Detoxify
Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:4
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Formulation
Gluten-free
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Usnea by Herb Pharm label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Usnea by Herb Pharm
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container168 Amounts shown are per serving.
Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract
No knowninteractions
Usnea is a lichen used in traditional herbal medicine, mainly for sore throats, skin infections, and as a general antimicrobial. Laboratory studies su...
Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Certified organic Cane Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Usnea by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Usnea. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Usnea, from the product label.
Herb Pharm
See all Herb Pharm products- Name
- Herb Pharm
- City
- Williams
- State
- OR
- ZipCode
- 97544
- Phone Number
- 800-348-4372
- Web Address
- www.herb-pharm.com
Usnea by Herb Pharm: Common Questions
Does Usnea by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is usnea safe to take by mouth?
Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does usnea do?
What are the side effects of usnea?
Does this interact with my medications?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Usnea is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Usnea’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Usnea's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Usnea 10 references
- Favreau JT, Ryu Ml, Braunstein G, et al. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with the dietary supplement LipoKinetix. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:590-5. PubMed
- Ingolfsdottir K. Usnic acid. Phytochemistry 2002;61:729-36.
- Scirpa, P., Scambia, G., Masciullo, V., Battaglia, F., Foti, E., Lopez, R., Villa, P., Malecore, M., and Mancuso, S. [A zinc sulfate and usnic acid preparation used as post-surgical adjuvant therapy in genital lesions by Human Papillomavirus]. Minerva Gin
- Mitchell, J. C. Allergy to lichens. Allergic contact dermatitis from usnic acid produced by lichenized fungi. Arch Dermatol 1965;92(2):142-146.
- Durazo, F. A., Lassman, C., Han, S. H., Saab, S., Lee, N. P., Kawano, M., Saggi, B., Gordon, S., Farmer, D. G., Yersiz, H., Goldstein, R. L., Ghobrial, M., and Busuttil, R. W. Fulminant liver failure due to usnic acid for weight loss. Am.J Gastroenterol. PubMed
- Neff, G. W., Reddy, K. R., Durazo, F. A., Meyer, D., Marrero, R., and Kaplowitz, N. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with the use of weight loss diet supplements containing ma huang or usnic acid. J Hepatol. 2004;41(6):1062-1064. PubMed
- Hsu, L. M., Huang, Y. S., Chang, F. Y., and Lee, S. D. 'Fat burner' herb, usnic Acid, induced acute hepatitis in a family. J Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 2005;20(7):1138-1139. PubMed
- Arneborn, P., Jansson, A., and Bottiger, Y. [Acute hepatitis in a woman after intake of slimming pills bought via Internet]. Lakartidningen 7-11-2005;102(28-29):2071-2072.
- Sanchez, W., Maple, J. T., Burgart, L. J., and Kamath, P. S. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with use of a dietary supplement containing usnic acid. Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81(4):541-544. PubMed
- Rafanelli, S., Bacchilega, R., Stanganelli, I., and Rafanelli, A. Contact dermatitis from usnic acid in vaginal ovules. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(4):271-272. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC