Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Biologically active alkamide from the lichen Stereocaulon alpinum
K Ingólfsdóttir1, S R Gissurarson, A Nenninger
1Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
This study reports the first alkamide isolated from lichens, 9-cis-octa-decenamide. This compound showed moderate inhibition of cyclooxygenase, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory applications.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alkamide compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties in plants and animals.
- Lichens represent a largely unexplored source of novel bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first isolation and identification of an alkamide from lichen.
- To investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of the isolated alkamide by assessing its inhibitory activity against key enzymes in arachidonate metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the alkamide from Stereocaulon alpinum using spectroscopic analysis.
- In vitro enzyme inhibition assays against cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX).
Main Results:
- The alkamide 9-cis-octa-decenamide was successfully isolated and identified from Stereocaulon alpinum.
- The compound exhibited moderate, dose-dependent inhibition of cyclooxygenase (IC(50) = 64.3 μM).
- Only slight inhibitory activity was observed against 5-lipoxygenase.
Conclusions:
- This study identifies a novel source of alkamides in lichens.
- 9-cis-octa-decenamide demonstrates potential as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its COX inhibitory activity.
Related Concept Videos
Antifungal Agents
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
The direct-acting...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Cholinergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
