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Usnic Acid Powder

Name: China Usnic Acid Powder Manufacturers Suppliers Factory - Buy Discount Usnic Acid Powder - Guanjie Biotech
Brand: Guanjie Biotech
SKU: 155563791

Other name: Lichen Extract,Usnea Extract
Latin Name: Eriobotrya japonica(Thunb.)Lindl.
Active ingredient: Ursolic acid
Specification: 98%
Characters: Yellow crystalline substance
Test Method: HPLC

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Description

Usnic Acid Powder supplier

Guanjie Biotech is a high-quality Usnic Acid Powder supplier. Usnic Acid is used for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and supplement industries. Sourced from specific lichen species, our product provides a reliable and potent ingredient for your formulations, backed by rigorous quality control. This ingredient is also known as Lichen Extract or Usnea Extract, names that highlight its natural botanical origin. The primary active ingredient is Usnic Acid, a compound renowned for its strong biological activity. It is presented as a fine, yellow crystalline powder with a high purity level of 98%, ensuring consistent and powerful results in your applications. Welcome to enquire with us at info@gybiotech.com.

Usnic Acid

Why Choose Guanjie Biotech?

We offer a trusted, high-quality Usnic Acid Powder. We focus on standardized purity (98%), verified by HPLC analysis, which ensures you receive a product that delivers on its promises. By choosing Guanjie Biotech's Usnic Acid Powder, you are selecting a natural, effective, and professionally validated solution for your innovative developments.

COA

Product Name: Usnic Acid Powder
Item	Specification	Result	Method
Basic Product Information
Genus and Species	Marchantia polymorpha Linn	Conform	/
Part of the Plant	Herb	Conform	/
Country of Origin	China	Conform	/
Marker Compounds
Usnic Acid	>98.0%	99.31%	HPLC
Organoleptic Data
Appearance	Powder	Conform	/
Color	Yellow Crystalline powder	Conform	/
Odor	Characteristic	Conform	/
Taste	Characteristic	Conform	/
Process Data
Method of Processing	Extraction	Conform	/
Solvent(s) Used	Acetic ether	Conform	/
Drying Method	Vacuum drying	Conform	/
Excipient	None	Conform	/
Physical Characteristics
Solubility	Soluble in Acetic ether;Insoluble in ethanol, methanol and hot water etc.	Conform	Visual
Melting point	201-204℃	202-203℃	GB21781-2008T
Specific Optical Rotation	+480°-+510°	+492.5°	GB 613-88
Particle Size (40 mesh)	98.0%pass 40mesh	Conform	GB/T 5507-2008
Loss on Drying	<1.5%	0.52%	GB/T 14769-1993
Ash Content	<1.5%	0.41%	AOAC 942.05, 18th
Solvent Residue	Acetic ether	Conform	GJ-QCS-1007
Heavy Metals
Total Heavy Metals	<10ppm	Conform	USP <231>, method II
As	<2.0ppm	Conform	AOAC 986.15, 18th
Pb	<2.0ppm	Conform	AOAC 986.15, 18th
Cd	<0.5ppm	Conform	AOAC 986.15, 18th
Hg	<0.5ppm	Conform	AOAC 971.21, 18th
Pesticide Residue
666	<0.2ppm	Conform	GB/T5009.19-1996
DDT	<0.2ppm	Conform	GB/T5009.19-1996
Microbiology
Total Plate Count	<1000/g	Conform	AOAC 990.12, 18th
Total Yeast & Mold	<100/g	Conform	FDA (BAM) Chapter 18, 8th Ed.
E. Coli	Negative	Negative	AOAC 997.11, 18th
Salmonella	Negative	Negative	FDA (BAM) Chapter 5, 8th Ed.

What Is Usnic Acid Used For?

Usnic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in various lichen species, such as Usnea (often called Old Man's Beard). This unique yellow substance acts as a powerful defense mechanism for the lichen, and humans have harnessed these properties for a wide range of applications. Its value lies in its potent biological activity, primarily as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic agent. Below are the four primary areas where usnic acid is used.

Pharmaceutical Applications:

One of the most established uses of usnic acid is in the pharmaceutical field, particularly for topical applications. Its powerful ability to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria makes it an effective natural antibiotic for skin infections. When incorporated into creams, ointments, and gels, it helps prevent and treat bacterial contamination in wounds, burns, and cuts. Furthermore, its mild hemostatic (blood-clotting) and anti-inflammatory properties synergize to promote a cleaner and more efficient healing process. By reducing the bacterial load and calming inflammation at the wound site, usnic acid creates an optimal environment for tissue repair. It is also being investigated for its potential to enhance the effects of other antibiotics, such as streptomycin, against resistant strains of bacteria, including those that cause tuberculosis, offering a promising avenue for combination therapies.

Cosmetic and Skincare Products:

In the cosmetics and personal care industry, usnic acid's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory traits are directly applied to address common skin concerns. It is a highly effective ingredient in products designed for acne-prone and oily skin. Acne is often driven by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes and associated inflammation. Usnic acid works by targeting this bacteria at the pore level and simultaneously soothing the red, swollen appearance of blemishes. It is also beneficial in managing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which involves fungal overgrowth and inflammation. Beyond treating specific conditions, usnic acid serves as a natural preservative. By inhibiting the growth of microbes like bacteria and fungi, it helps extend the shelf life of creams, lotions, and serums, reducing the reliance on synthetic preservatives and appealing to consumers seeking "cleaner" ingredient labels.

Dietary Supplements:

Although this application requires more research and should be approached with caution, usnic acid has gained significant attention for its potential role in weight management. Early scientific studies and their use in some dietary supplements suggest it may influence metabolism. The proposed mechanism is that usnic acid can mildly "uncouple" cellular processes in the mitochondria-the energy powerhouses of our cells. This disruption causes the cell to burn more calories to produce the same amount of energy, a process that can lead to increased fat burning. For this reason, it has been marketed as a component in bodybuilding and weight loss supplements, to boost energy expenditure and reduce fat stores. However, it is crucial to note that the safety and efficacy for long-term human use in this context are not fully established, and high doses can pose risks to liver health.

As an Agricultural Biopesticide and in a Scientific Study

Beyond human health, usnic acid has promising applications in agriculture and scientific research. Its natural origin and antimicrobial properties make it a candidate for developing eco-friendly biopesticides and antifungal treatments for crops. Using usnic acid-based products could help protect plants from certain bacterial and fungal diseases while aligning with a more sustainable and organic farming approach. In the laboratory, usnic acid is a valuable tool for researchers. It is used as a pure biochemical agent to study mitochondrial function, cellular energy pathways, and the mechanisms of antibiotic action. This ongoing research not only deepens our understanding of basic biology but may also unlock future medical and industrial applications for this versatile natural compound.

Safety of Usnic Acid Powder

Usnic Acid Powder is a natural compound derived from lichens. has garnered attention for its purported benefits in weight loss and antimicrobial applications. However, its safety profile is a significant concern and should be thoroughly understood before considering any use.

Severe Hepatotoxicity

The most critical safety issue associated with usnic acid is its potential for causing severe liver injury. Numerous case reports have linked its ingestion to acute hepatitis, liver failure, and the need for emergency liver transplantation. The injury is often idiosyncratic, meaning it can occur unpredictably even at low doses in some individuals. The mechanism is not fully understood but is believed to involve the disruption of mitochondrial function within liver cells, leading to cell death. This risk was starkly highlighted when the U.S. FDA recalled dietary supplements containing usnic acid due to multiple reports of liver toxicity.

Lack of Human Safety Data and Dosage Guidelines

Despite its presence in some supplements, there is a profound lack of rigorous clinical trials establishing a safe dosage for human consumption. Most studies on its biological effects are conducted in vitro (test tubes) or on animals, and these results do not reliably translate to safe human use. Without established safe upper limits, consumers are effectively experimenting with an unregulated and potent substance, significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Potential for Drug Interactions

Usnic Acid Powder can interact with other medications, primarily by interfering with liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism, specifically the cytochrome P450 system. This interference can alter the blood levels of common prescription drugs, potentially making them less effective or, more dangerously, increasing their concentration to toxic levels. This is a particular concern for individuals taking medications for chronic conditions, as the interaction could go unnoticed until a serious health event occurs.

General Adverse Effects and Regulatory Status

Beyond liver damage, reported adverse effects from usnic acid powder supplementation include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Due to the well-documented risks, regulatory bodies like the FDA strongly warn against its use in dietary supplements. Usnic Acid Powder is not approved for medical use in most countries and is considered an unsafe ingredient for oral consumption by major health authorities.

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