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Some lichen products have antimicrobial activity
J Garcia Rowe1, M D Garcia Gimenez, M T Saenz Rodriguez
1Laboratory of Vegetal Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain.
Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of Biosciences
|September 17, 1999
Summary
Lichens from southern Spain show significant antimicrobial properties, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. This activity is linked to the presence of usnic acid, a key lichen compound.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Lichens are symbiotic organisms known to produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites.
- Some lichen compounds exhibit biological activities, including antimicrobial effects, making them potential sources for new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial activity of selected lichens from southern Spain.
- To identify and characterize lichen substances responsible for observed bioactivity.
Main Methods:
- Collection and extraction of lichen samples from southern Spain.
- Assay of antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains.
- Isolation and structural elucidation of lichen compounds using physical, spectral (e.g., NMR, MS), and chemical methods.
Main Results:
- Several lichen extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity.
- Usnic acid was identified as a major compound in active lichen samples.
- Lichens containing usnic acid exhibited very high activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Lichens from southern Spain are a promising source of antimicrobial compounds.
- Usnic acid is a key component responsible for the potent Gram-positive antibacterial activity observed in these lichens.
- Further research into usnic acid and other lichen metabolites could lead to novel antimicrobial drug discovery.