Other Name(s):

X. scabrosa, Xanthoparmelia scabrosa.

Overview
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosing

Overview

Xanthoparmelia is a type of lichen. Lichen is an organism that is made up of fungus and algae living together. Xanthoparmelia is used to make medicine.

Xanthoparmelia is used to treat sexual dysfunction, especially erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac). It is also used for cancer.

Products containing xanthoparmelia are often marketed for sexual enhancement. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized numerous brand name supplement products containing xanthoparmelia because these products also contained the prescription drug tadalafil (Cialis). This drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).

How does it work?

There is not enough information available to know how xanthoparmelia might work. It is thought to contain poisonous chemicals.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED).
Increasing sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac).
Cancer.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of xanthoparmelia for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Xanthoparmelia might be UNSAFE. It contains poisonous chemicals that can cause healthy body cells to die.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Xanthoparmelia seems to be UNSAFE for anyone. But it is especially important for pregnant and breast-feeding women to avoid using it.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of xanthoparmelia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for xanthoparmelia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

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.

FDA Enforcement Report. January 21, 2004. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/enforce/2004/ENF00831.html.

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. View abstract.