Oakmoss

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 23.06.2023

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Synonym(s)

Bearded lichen; Evernia prunastri; INCI designation: Evernia prunastri; Oak moss; Oakmoss absolute

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Evernia prunastri is a species of lichen in the genus Evernia in the family Parmeliaceae. The species is also known as oak moss. Evernia prunastri is native to the Balkans, Eastern Europe, France and northern Africa (Morocco).

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

Extracts from oak moss contain 2-3% Evernic acid, atranorin, chloratranol, atranol, evernic acid, usnic acid, divaricatic acid, lecanoric and other lichen acids, waxes, resin, essential oil and polysaccharides.

OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.

The lichen species varies in colour from yellow-green, grey-brown, yellow-brown to blue-grey. It grows shrubby on acidic bark of deciduous and coniferous trees, especially on maple and oak (hence the name), grows up to 10 cm in size and consists of up to 0.5 cm wide net-structured bands with a light-coloured underside. The vegetation body of the plant is reminiscent of the shape of elk antlers. In places Evernia prunastri covers the flanks of the trunks with a dense carpet of lichen.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Atranorin is the most common substance found in lichens and mosses. Known sensitizing substances are sesquiterpenlactones, whose chemical relationship to the strongly sensitizing ingredients of composites has been known for a long time.

Allergic reactions to oak moss are known. The sensitizing potential is estimated to be very high,

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Eichenmoos absolue has been in the epicutaneous test series (e.g. fragrance mix) since 1980 and is tested individually if the mixture has led to a positive reaction. Sensitizing potency: Weak to medium strong. Sensitisation frequency: Occasional.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Eichemoos is collected by hand and pressed into bales. Extracts of oak moss were already used in ancient times to embalm corpses.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Heisterberg MVet al. (2011) Contact allergy to the 26 specificfragrance ingredients to be declared on cosmetic products in accordance with the EU cosmetics directive. Contact dermatitis 65:266-275
  2. Geier J (2017) Screening substances for fragrance allergy: Fragrance mixes and Peru balsam. Allergo J 26: 16-19
  3. Johansen JD et al (2002) Oak moss extracts in the diagnosis offragrance contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis 46:157-161
  4. Turić Pet al. (2011) Contact allergy causedby fragrance mix and Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru)--a retrospective study.Coll Antropol 35:83-87

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Last updated on: 23.06.2023