Xanthoparmelia

OTHER NAME(S): X. scabrosa, Xanthoparmelia scabrosa

Overview

Xanthoparmelia (Xanthoparmelia scabrosa) is a type of lichen, which is an organism made of fungus and algae living together. It is used as medicine.

Xanthoparmelia contains chemicals that might have anti-cancer effects. These same chemicals might also be toxic to healthy cells in the body.

People sometimes use xanthoparmelia for cancer, erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Products containing xanthoparmelia are often marketed for sexual enhancement. In 2004, the US FDA seized several supplement products containing xanthoparmelia because they also contained the prescription drug tadalafil (Cialis).

References
  1. Ernst-Russell MA, Elix JA, Chai CLL, et al. Structure Revision and Cytotoxic Activity of the Scabrosin Esters, Epidithiopiperazinediones from the Lichen Xanthoparmelia scarbosa. Aust J Chem 1999;52:279-83.
  2. Moerman KL, Chai CL, Waring P. Evidence that the lichen-derived scabrosin esters target mitochondrial ATP synthase in P388D1 cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2003;190:232-40.
  3. FDA Enforcement Report. January 21, 2004. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/enforce/2004/ENF00831.html.