Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid

Since its first isolation in 1844, usnic acid [2,6-diacetyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-1,3(2H,9bH)-dibenzo-furandione] has become the most extensively studied lichen metabolite and one of the few that are commercially available. Lichens belonging to usnic acid-containing genera have been used as cr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Natural product research 2015-12, Vol.29 (23), p.2167-2180
Main Authors: Araújo, A. A. S., de Melo, M. G. D., Rabelo, T. K., Nunes, P. S., Santos, S. L., Serafini, M. R., Santos, M. R. V., Quintans-Júnior, L. J., Gelain, D. P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology
Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology
antimicrobial
Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology
antioxidant
Antioxidants - pharmacology
Benzofurans - pharmacology
Benzofurans - toxicity
biological activity
Humans
lichen
Lichens - chemistry
Molecular Structure
usnic acid
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Summary:Since its first isolation in 1844, usnic acid [2,6-diacetyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-1,3(2H,9bH)-dibenzo-furandione] has become the most extensively studied lichen metabolite and one of the few that are commercially available. Lichens belonging to usnic acid-containing genera have been used as crude drugs throughout the world. There are indications of usnic acid being a potentially interesting candidate for such activities as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, healing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, larvicidal and UV protection. However, some studies reported the liver toxicity and contact allergy. Thus, further studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of usnic acid
ISSN:1478-6419
1478-6427
DOI:10.1080/14786419.2015.1007455