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Herbs & Plants

Lobaria pulmonaria

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Botanical Name : Lobaria pulmonaria
Family: Lobariaceae
Genus: Lobaria
Species: L. pulmonaria
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lecanoromycetes
Order: Peltigerales

Synonyms:  Jerusalem Cowslip. Oak Lungs. Lung Moss.

Common Names :Tree lungwort, Lung lichen, lung moss, Lungwort lichen, Oak lungs or Oak lungwort,  Sticta pulmonaria

Habitat :It has a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, preferring damp habitats with high rainfall, especially coastal areas. It is the most widely distributed and most common Lobaria species in North America. Associated with old-growth forests, its presence and abundance may be used as an indicator of forest age, at least in the Interior Cedar-Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone in eastern British Columbia. It is also found in pasture-woodlands. It usually grows on the bark of broad-leaved trees such as oak, beech and maple but will also grow on rocks. In the laboratory, L. pulmonaria has been grown on nylon microfilaments. Various environmental factors are thought to affect the distribution of L. pulmonaria, such as temperature, moisture (average humidity, rapidity and frequency of wet-dry cycles), sunlight exposure, and levels of air pollution. Attempts to quantitatively evaluate the contribution of these factors to lichen growth is difficult because differences in the original environment from which the lichen thalli are collected will greatly affect heat and desiccation tolerances.

Due to declining population, L. pulmonaria is considered to be rare or threatened in many parts of the world, especially in lowland areas of Europe. The decline has been attributed to industrial forestry and air pollution, particularly acid rain. L. pulmonaria, like other lichens containing a blue-green algal component, are particularly susceptible to the effects of acid rain, because the subsequent decrease in pH reduces nitrogen fixation through inhibition of the algal nitrogenase enzyme

Description:
It is a foliose lichen and its leaf-like thallus is green, leathery and lobed with a pattern of ridges and depressions on the upper surface. Bright green under moist conditions, it becomes brownish and papery when dry. This species often has a fine layers of hairs, a tomentum, on its lower surface. The cortex, the outer protective layer on the thallus surface, is roughly comparable to the epidermis of a green plant. The thallus is typically 5–15 centimetres (2.0–5.9 in) in diameter, with individual lobes 1–3 centimetres (0.39–1.2 in) wide and up to 7 cm long. The asexual reproductive structures soredia and isidia are present on the thallus surface. Minute (0.5–1.5 mm in diameter) cephalodia—pockets of cyanobacteria—are often present on the lower surface of the thallus; these spots are conspicuously darker than the green surface of the thallus. Like other foliose lichens, the thallus is only loosely attached to the surface on which it grows.

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Photobionts:
The thallus contains internal structures known as cephalodia, characteristic of three-membered lichen symbioses involving two photobionts (the photosynthetic symbionts in the fungal-algal lichen relationship). These internal cephalodia, found between the “ribs” of the thallus surface, arise when blue-green algae (from the genus Nostoc) on the thallus surface are enveloped during mycobiont growth.[6] Structurally, cephalodia consist of dense aggregates of Nostoc cells surrounded by thin-walled hyphae—this delimits them from the rest of the thallus which contains a loose structure of thick-walled hyphae.[7] Blue-green cyanobacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing nutrient availability for the lichen. The other photobiont of L. pulmonaria is the green algae Dictyochloropsis reticulata

Reproduction:
L. pulmonaria has the ability to form both vegetative propagation and sexual propagules[9] at an age of about 25 years. In sexual reproduction, the species produces small reddish-brown discs known as apothecia containing asci, from which spores are forcibly released into the air (like ballistospores). Based on studies of ascospore germination, it has been suggested that L. pulmonaria spores use some mechanism to inhibit germination—the inhibition is lifted when the spores are grown in a synthetic growth medium containing an adsorbent like bovine serum albumin or ?-cyclodextrin.

Dispersal by vegetative propagules (via soredia or isidia) has been determined as the predominant mode of reproduction in L. pulmonaria. In this method, the protruding propagules become dry and brittle during the regular wet/dry cycles of the lichen, and can easily crumble off the thallus. These fragments may develop into new thalli, either at the same locale or at a new site after dispersal by wind or rain. A number of steps are required for the development of the vegetative propagules, including the degeneration of the thallus cortex, replication of green algal cells, and entanglement of fungal hyphae with the green algal cells. This steps lead to an increase in internal pressure which eventually breaks through the cortex. Continued growth leads to these granules being pushed upwards and out of the thallus surface.

Chemical compositions:
L. pulmonaria is known to contain a variety of acids common to lichens, such as stictic acid, desmethyl stictic acid, gyrophoric acid, tenuiorin, constictic acid, norstictic acid, peristictic acid, and methylnorstictic acid. These compounds, collectively known as depsidones, are known to be involved in defense against grazing herbivores like lichen-feeding molluscs. It also contains the sugar alcohols D-arabitol, volemitol, in addition to several carotenoids (total content > 10 mg/kg), such as alpha carotene, beta carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin. The upper cortex of the lichen contains melanins that screen UV and PAR radiation from the photobiont. The synthesis of melanin pigments in the lichen increases in response to greater solar irradiation,  and shade-adapted thalli are greenish-grey in the air-dry state, while sun-exposed thalli can be dark brown in color. This adaptation helps protect the photosymbiont D. reticulata, known to be relatively intolerant to high light levels.

Also known to be present are various steroids, namely ergosterol, episterol, fecosterol and lichesterol.

Medicinal  Uses:
Its shape somewhat resembles the tissue inside lungs and therefore it is thought to be a remedy for lung diseases based on the doctrine of signatures. The lichen’s common English names are derived from this association. Gerard’s book The Herball or General Historie of plants (1597) recommends L. pulmonaria as medicinally valuable. It is still used for asthma, urinary incontinence and lack of appetite. In India it is used as a traditional medicine to treat hemorrhages and eczema, and it is used as a remedy for coughing up blood by the Hesquiaht in British Columbia, Canada. An ethnophytotherapeutical survey of the high Molise region in central-southern Italy revealed that L. pulmonaria is used as an antiseptic, and is rubbed on wounds.

A hot-water extract prepared using this species has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and ulcer-preventing activities. Also, methanol extracts were shown to have a protective effect on the gastrointestinal system of rats, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and reducing the inflammatory effects of neutrophils. Furthermore, methanol extracts also have potent antioxidative activity and reducing power, probably due to the presence of phenolic compounds.

Tree lungwort has expectorant and tonic properties. This helps to clear congested mucus and at the same time increases appetite.In a decoction sweetened with honey, it is appropriate for all conditions that are marked by chronic respiratory mucus, especially coughs and bronchitis.  The plant also treats asthma, pleurisy, and emphysema.  Being astringent and demulcent, tree lungwort makes a useful treatment for pulmonary ulcers as well as for a variety of gastrointestinal problems.  It is a highly suitable herb for treating ailments in children.

Other uses:
L. pulmonaria has also been used to produce an orange dye for wool, in the tanning of leather, in the manufacture of perfumes and as an ingredient in brewing

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobaria_pulmonaria
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm

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Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Lichen planus

Definition:
Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that affects the skin, tongue, and oral mucosa. The disease presents itself in the form of papules, lesions, or rashes. Lichen planus does not involve lichens; the name refers to the appearance of affected skin. It is sometimes associated with certain medications and diseases, but is basically of unknown cause.
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Atrophic lichen planus.

Lichen planus 1

Lichen planus 2
About one in 50 people may develop the condition, which most commonly affects those between the ages of 30 and 60, and women slightly more often than men. It’s rare for children or older people to be troubled by lichen planus, though not impossible.

Classification:-
Lichen planus may be divided into the following types:

Configuration
——————-
*Annular lichen planus
*Linear lichen planus

Morphology of lesion
——————————-
*Hypertrophic lichen planus
*Atrophic lichen planus
*Vesiculobullous lichen planus
*Ulcerative lichen planus
*Follicular lichen planus
*Actinic lichen planus
*Lichen planus pigmentosus

Site of involvement
—————————-
*Lichen planus of the palms and soles (Palmoplantar lichen planus)
*Mucosal lichen planus
*Lichen planus of the nails
*Lichen planus of the scalp ( leading to cicatricial alopecia)
*Inverse lichen planus

Special forms
———————
*Drug-induced lichen planus
*Lupus erythematosus-lichen planus overlap syndrome
*Lichen planus pemphigoides
*Keratosis lichenoides chronica
*Lichenoid reaction of graft-versus-host disease
*Lichenoid keratosis
*Lichenoid dermatitis

Symptoms:
The onset of the rash is usually gradual, often first appearing on the flexor surface of the limbs (i.e. the wrists or back of knees).

After a few days the rash becomes more widespread, and it may continue to spread for several weeks. LP may also affect the genitalia and the mucous membranes (including the mouth, larynx, tonsils, conjunctivae of the eye, the bladder, vulva and vagina, throughout the gastrointestinal tract and around the anus.)

The spots of lichen planus are flat topped and pink-purple in colour, and usually measure between 3mm and 5mm. Their surface is shiny and reflects light. They may appear in groups or along the line of an injury where the skin has been knocked or scratched.

Affected skin may become raised or hypertrophic, or thin (atrophic). Hypertrophic lesions are particularly itchy.

When looked at closely, irregular white streaks can be seen. These help to identify the spots as lichen planus and are called Wickham’s striae. The spots of lichen planus can be found in the skin creases of the wrists, elbows and ankles, and in the lower back and genital areas.

The Wickham’s striae often appear in the mouth too, on the cheeks and the gums where the white milky streaks are more easily seen and create a lacy, net-like appearance. Mouth ulcers develop, causing soreness that’s made worse by hot or spicy food.

Lichen planus can affect the scalp where it destroys the hair follicles causing patches of hair loss. Nails may be affected and become thin and damaged, forming a lengthways groove along the nail.

Causes:
The cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. The lesions that appear are the result of inflammation controlled by specific white blood cells called T lymphocytes. Normally, these cells are active at the site of disease or injury.

Doctors and researchers don’t know what prompts T lymphocytes to be activated in oral lichen planus. However, certain diseases, medical conditions or other factors may act as triggers of the inflammatory disorder in some people.

It is not contagious  and does not involve any known pathogen. Some lichen planus-type rashes (known as lichenoid reactions) occur as allergic reactions to medications for high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis, in such cases termed drug-induced lichenoid reactions. These lichenoid reactions are referred to as lichenoid mucositis (of the mucosa) or dermatitis (of the skin). Lichen planus has been reported as a complication of chronic hepatitis C virus infection and can be a sign of chronic graft-versus-host disease of the skin (Lichenoid reaction of graft-versus-host disease). It has been suggested that true lichen planus may respond to stress, where lesions may present on the mucosa or skin during times of stress in those with the disease. Lichen planus affects women more than men (at a ratio of 3:2), and occurs most often in middle-aged adults. The involvement of the mucous membranes is seen frequently and usually is asymptomatic, but occasionally, LP can be complicated by extensive painful erosions. Lichen planus in children is rare. In unpublished clinical observation, lichen planus appears to be associated with hypothyroidism in 3 young females.

Allergic reactions to amalgam fillings may contribute to the oral lesions very similar to lichen planus, and a systematic review found that many of the lesions resolved after the fillings were replaced.

Lichen planus can be part of Grinspan’s syndrome.

Complications:

Cancer
Oral lichen planus may increase the risk of oral cancers, particularly a type known as squamous cell carcinoma. Take the following steps for cancer screening and prevention.

*Get oral cancer screenings annually or as directed by your doctor.

*If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk to your doctor to see if you should avoid alcohol completely.

*If you use any tobacco products, quit. Talk to your doctor if you need assistance ending a tobacco habit.

Esophageal problems
Lichen planus lesions in the esophagus may result in a narrowing of the esophagus or the formation of tightened, ring-like bands in the esophagus that can make swallowing difficult.

Treatment:
Care of OLP is within the scope of Oral medicine speciality. Currently there is no cure for lichen planus but there are certain types of medicines used to reduce the effects of the inflammation. Lichen planus may go into a dormant state after treatment. There are also reports that lichen planus can flare up years after it is considered cured.

Medicines used to treat lichen planus include:

*Oral and topical steroids.
*Oral retinoids
*immunosuppressant medications
*hydroxychloroquine
*tacrolimus
*dapsone

Non-drug treatments:

*UVB NarrowBand Phototherapy
*Aloe vera
*Purslane

Lifestyle and home remedies:-

In addition to regular medical and dental treatment, self-care measures may help improve your oral lichen planus symptoms or help prevent recurring episodes of severe symptoms. These include:

*Practicing good oral hygiene. Keep your mouth clean to reduce your symptoms and help prevent infection. Gently brush and floss your teeth daily. See your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

*Adjust your diet. Cut out spicy or acidic foods if they seem to trigger or worsen your symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/lichenplanus1.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-lichen-planus/DS00784/DSECTION
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen_planus
http://www.lichenplanus.com/app/lichen+planus.asp
http://www.uveitis.org/medical/articles/case/lichenplanus.html

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