Usnic acid

CAS NO. : 125-46-2

　　MOL WT. : 344.32

　　SYNONYMS : (+)-Usnic acid; (+)-Usnein; (+)-Usniacin;

　　D-2,6-Diacetyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-1,3(2H,9bH)- Dibenzofurandione;

　　PHYSICAL STATE : yellow crystalline powder

　　MELTING POINT : 192- 204℃

　　Optical Rotation: +495° ~+ 497° (in CHCl3)

　　STABILITY: Stable under ordinary conditions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATIONS:

Usnic acid and its salt form, sodium usniate, have been marketed in the US as an ingredient in food supplements for use in weight reduction, although unsupported by solid scientific proof. These supplements, if taken according to label instructions, can supply daily oral doses of 10–1350 mg for adults. Daily oral intake of 300–1350 mg over a period of weeks has led to severe hepatotoxicity in a number of persons.

　　Usnic acid is extracted from Usnea. It is used as an antibacteria agnet in cosmetics and ointments to prevent skin infection. It is also used in formulating deodorant, mouth-care products. Usnic acid has been found to have adrenergic activity in both frog and earthworm nerve junction models in preliminary research。

　　SALES SPECIFICATION

　　APPEARANCE: yellow crystalline powder

　　ASSAY: HPLC >98%