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Photodynamic reactions induced by compounds derived from lichens
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This study investigated lichen compounds and their effect on skin when exposed to sunlight. Several lichen-derived substances were found to cause photosensitization, potentially involving singlet oxygen.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Contact dermatitis from lichens is recognized, but the role of sunlight exposure remains unclear.
- Previous photopatch testing suggested lichen compounds might cause photoallergic reactions, but differentiation from non-specific exacerbation was difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of 13 lichen-derived substances to induce photo-oxidative membrane damage.
- To evaluate the potential for these lichen compounds to cause photosensitization upon sun exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the photohemolysis technique to assess photo-oxidative membrane damage.
- Tested 13 different substances extracted from common lichens.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the photosensitizing potential of several investigated lichen compounds.
- Demonstrated that singlet state excited oxygen may play a role in some of these photo-oxidative reactions.
Conclusions:
- Certain lichen-derived compounds can induce photosensitization and photo-oxidative damage.
- Singlet oxygen is implicated in the mechanism of photosensitization by some lichen compounds.