# Dosing & Timing
There is no large human oncology trial that defines a standard usnic-acid protocol.
### Practical human-use context
The most practical guidance comes from herbal practice, traditional-use context, and preclinical background.
#### Typical tincture range
Common adult tincture use is described around:
* **1–2 mL**
* or **30–60 drops**
* **2–4 times daily**
#### Traditional-use context
Historical dried-lichen use is described around:
* **6–9 g dried lichen daily**
* roughly **60–120 mg usnic acid daily**
#### Research extract context
Research extracts cited in the source material were described around **0.24–0.6 mg/mL** usnic acid.
### Timing and duration
Shorter-term use and cycling appear more consistent with the current evidence and safety logic than long, continuous exposure.
That fits both safety logic and the way many integrative protocols are structured.
### Important practical issues
* many tinctures are not standardised
* a certificate of analysis is ideal where possible
* dose precision is poor if the product is vague
* timing may matter if trying to preserve ROS-dependent anticancer effects
### Interaction note
There is reason to think that strong antioxidants may blunt some of UA’s effects in certain settings.
That does not automatically mean “avoid antioxidants.”
It means timing and combination logic matter.
### Bottom line
Dosing deserves respect here.
UA is not the kind of compound where vague labels and casual escalation are good enough.
### Key References
Usnea monograph with tincture guidance\
NTP Technical Report on the Toxicity Studies of Usnea\
Multifaceted Properties of Usnic Acid in Disrupting Cancer Hallmarks\
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