Usnea Lichen vs Afzelia Africana

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Usnea Lichen

Usnea barbata

Antimicrobial

Afzelia africana

Antimicrobial

Usnea Lichen

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Afzelia Africana

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Hanging lichen of forests worldwide used in European, Chinese, and Native American folk medicine as powerful antimicrobial.

West and Central African tree whose bark is used for sexually transmitted infections, malaria, and as an antimicrobial agent in traditional medicine.

Active Compounds

usnic acid, diffractic acid, barbatolic acid, polyphenols, mucopolysaccharides

afrormosin, quercetin, luteolin, tannins, saponins

Traditional Uses

Wound healing and antisepsis across traditions, Respiratory and strep infections in European folk medicine, Urinary infections, Immune support

STI treatment, Malaria, Wound healing, Urinary infections

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial via usnic acid, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antiviral

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antioxidant properties, Wound healing

Adult Dosage

300mg usnic acid standardized extract twice daily; 3-5ml tincture 3x daily

Bark decoction: 1 cup 2-3 times daily

Contraindications

Liver disease - usnic acid hepatotoxic in supplements, Pregnancy, High internal doses

Pregnancy

Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity with high internal doses of usnic acid

Mild digestive effects, Skin reaction topically

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E