Sodium Usnate

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Sodium Usnate, also known by the names marali root or leuzea saflor, is a substance native to lichens and is used in the cosmetic industry and pharmaceuticals. Sodium Usnate is mainly used for its antimicrobial properties and is therefore often included in deodorants, such as Perfecta Deo Roll-on by the Italian brand Farmaceutici Dott. Ciccarelli. It is also found in nutritional supplements and is closely associated with alternative medicine for its antibiotic properties.

However, food applications are less common. Marali root, which is used in traditional medicine, is used for its purported stimulant effects and is thus often included in dietary supplements aimed at physical performance, such as the extract of the Safflower (Leuzea carthamoides). Sodium Usnate can be used as a preservative or antimicrobial additive for food, but due to its possible side effects and the lack of studies in this field, its use in food is generally not recommended.