Mysterious World of Lichens: Highlights on Their History, Applications, and Pharmaceutical Potentials

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waill A. Elkhateeb ◽  
Ghoson M. Daba ◽  
Donia Sheir ◽  
The-Duy Nguyen ◽  
Kalani K. Hapuarachchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Crystal Form ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Symbiotic Association ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lichen Substances ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use

Background: Lichens play an important role in many ecosystems and exist as a symbiotic association between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. This symbiosis results in production of unique secondary metabolites known as lichen substances, which arise within the thalli and are typically in crystal form on the surface of the fungal hyphae. Recently, lichens and their secondary metabolites have been receiving increased attention due to their nutritional value and pharmaceutical potential. Objectives: This review aims to cast a light on the importance and variety of common lichen substances (secondary metabolites), which are investigated along with their historical and contemporary applications, use in environmental research and discussion of the commercialisation of lichens-based products. Methods: The literature, including research and reviews articles, was analysed and the information was compiled to provide a complete review of Lichens. A desk-based study to elucidate the role of lichens in commercial products was also undertaken. Results: Analysis of metabolites, mostly secondary metabolites, have yielded a wide range of interesting compounds with biological activities from antimicrobial to anticancer. 31 of these compounds are discussed in detail. Further, the nutritional value of lichens is identified alongside a role in environmental monitoring and a number of commercialised lichen-based products are located. Conclusions: Lichens are found on every continent and have a history of use as food, medicine, dyes and livestock feed. The pharmaceutical potential of lichens is high and several companies are now attempting to commercialise these unique attributes.

scholarly journals Lichentherapy: Highlights on the Pharmaceutical Potentials of Lichens

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Elkhateeb WA
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Crystal Form ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Symbiotic Association ◽  
Air Quality Monitoring ◽  
Alternative Product ◽  
Lichen Substances ◽  
History Of

Lichens exist in every continent and have a history of being used as food, medicine, a source of dyes and animal feed. Lichens are now being used as natural indicators of climate change and for air quality monitoring worldwide. Lichens play an important role in many ecosystems and exist as a symbiotic association between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. This symbiosis results in the production of unique secondary metabolites known as lichen substances, which arise within the thalli and are typically in crystal form on the surface of the fungal hyphae. Recently, lichens and their secondary metabolites have been receiving increased attention due to their nutritional value and pharmaceutical potential. This review aims to highlight on the importance and variety of common lichen substances (secondary metabolites). Finally, the commercialization of lichens is growing but, in the future, metabolic and biotechnological approaches can be used as an alternative product to overcome the limited availability of biologically active, commercially valuable and medicinally important secondary metabolite components.

Associated microflora of medicinal ferns: biotechnological potentials and possible applications

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (03) ◽  
pp. 4927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubhi Srivastava ◽  
Paul A. K.
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Plant associated microorganisms that colonize the upper and internal tissues of roots, stems, leaves and flowers of healthy plants without causing any visible harmful or negative effect on their host. Diversity of microbes have been extensively studied in a wide variety of vascular plants and shown to promote plant establishment, growth and development and impart resistance against pathogenic infections. Ferns and their associated microbes have also attracted the attention of the scientific communities as sources of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. The ferns and fern alleles, which are well adapted to diverse environmental conditions, produce various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenols, triterpenoid compounds, variety of amino acids and fatty acids along with some unique metabolites as adaptive features and are traditionally used for human health and medicine. In this review attention has been focused to prepare a comprehensive account of ethnomedicinal properties of some common ferns and fern alleles. Association of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere of these medicinally important ferns and their interaction with the host plant has been emphasized keeping in view their possible biotechnological potentials and applications. The processes of host-microbe interaction leading to establishment and colonization of endophytes are less-well characterized in comparison to rhizospheric and phyllospheric microflora. However, the endophytes are possessing same characteristics as rhizospheric and phyllospheric to stimulate the in vivo synthesis as well as in vitro production of secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities such as plant growth promotion by production of phytohormones, siderophores, fixation of nitrogen, and phosphate solubilization. Synthesis of pharmaceutically important products such as anticancer compounds, antioxidants, antimicrobials, antiviral substances and hydrolytic enzymes could be some of the promising areas of research and commercial exploitation.

scholarly journals Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1711
Author(s):  
Heba A. Gad ◽  
Autumn Roberts ◽  
Samirah H. Hamzi ◽  
Haidy A. Gad ◽  
Ilham Touiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Jojoba Oil ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Liver Functions ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Pharmaceutical Uses ◽  
Obesity And Cancer

Jojoba is a widely used medicinal plant that is cultivated worldwide. Its seeds and oil have a long history of use in folklore to treat various ailments, such as skin and scalp disorders, superficial wounds, sore throat, obesity, and cancer; for improvement of liver functions, enhancement of immunity, and promotion of hair growth. Extensive studies on Jojoba oil showed a wide range of pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, anti-acne and antipsoriasis, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperglycemia activities. In addition, Jojoba oil is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cosmetics for topical, transdermal, and parenteral preparations. Jojoba oil also holds value in the industry as an anti-rodent, insecticides, lubricant, surfactant, and a source for the production of bioenergy. Jojoba oil is considered among the top-ranked oils due to its wax, which constitutes about 98% (mainly wax esters, few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). In addition, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters, flavonoids, phenolic and cyanogenic compounds are also present. The present review represents an updated literature survey about the chemical composition of jojoba oil, its physical properties, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, and toxicity.

scholarly journals Natural Product Repertoire of the Genus Amphimedon

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nourhan Shady ◽  
Mostafa Fouad ◽  
Mohamed Salah Kamel ◽  
Tanja Schirmeister ◽  
Usama Abdelmohsen
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Marine Sponges ◽  
Rich Source ◽  
Undescribed Species ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Complete Survey

Marine sponges are a very attractive and rich source in the production of novel bioactive compounds. The sponges exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. The genus Amphimedon consists of various species, such as viridis, compressa, complanata, and terpenensis, along with a handful of undescribed species. The Amphimedon genus is a rich source of secondary metabolites containing diverse chemical classes, including alkaloids, ceramides, cerebrososides, and terpenes, with various valuable biological activities. This review covers the literature from January 1983 until January 2018 and provides a complete survey of all the compounds isolated from the genus Amphimedon and the associated microbiota, along with their corresponding biological activities, whenever applicable.

A Review on Annona squamosa L.: Phytochemicals and Biological Activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (05) ◽  
pp. 933-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengyao Ma ◽  
Yayun Chen ◽  
Jianwei Chen ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Yong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Annona Squamosa ◽  
Annonaceous Acetogenins ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Available Information

Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional uses. A. squamosa is an evergreen plant mainly located in tropical and subtropical regions. Srikayas, the fruits of A. squamosa, are extensively used to prepare candies, ice creams and beverages. A wide range of ethno-medicinal uses has been related to different portions of A. squamosa, such as tonic, apophlegmatisant, cool medicine, abortient and heart sedative. Numerous research projects on A. squamosa have found that it has anticancer, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antiparasitic, antimalarial, insecticidal, microbicidel and molluscicidal activities. Phytochemistry investigations on A. squamosa have considered annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs), diterpenes (DITs), alkaloids (ALKs) and cyclopeptides (CPs) as the main constituents. Until 2016, 33 DITs, 19 ALKs, 88 ACGs and 13 CPs from this species were reported. On the basis of the multiple researches on A. squamosa, this review strives to integrate available information on its phytochemicals, folklore uses and bioactivities, hoping to promote a better understanding of its medicinal values.

scholarly journals Lichens: traditional use and biological activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchira R. Sutar ◽  
◽  
Subhash B. Gaikwad ◽  
Sachin V. Mapari ◽  
Bhaskar C. Behera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Lichen Species ◽  
Symbiotic Association ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Rich Diversity ◽  
The World ◽  
Immense Potential

Lichens are a stable symbiotic association between photobiont (algae and/or cyanobacteria) and mycobiont (fungi). They are utilized in traditional medicine for ages and documented in various pharmacopeia throughout the world. India is having a rich diversity of lichen species represented by about 2400 species. The tribal inhabitant around forests and other difficult terrains acquired unique knowledge about the use of much wide flora and fauna. Most of these are either lesser known or unknown to the outside world. The treasure of traditional knowledge if subjected to scientific scrutiny could benefit humankind in many ways. They produce unique secondary metabolites through various metabolic pathways and are known to exhibit a wide array of bioactivities. We have reviewed the literature for traditional knowledge of the lichen species and biological activities reported to study its inter-relationship. It was observed that that still a major percentage of lichens have remained unexplored. These lichens may have immense potential; and if analysed could be used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic industries, and many more.

scholarly journals Zuccagnia punctata: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1601101 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Inés Isla ◽  
María Alejandra Moreno ◽  
Gabriela Nuño ◽  
Fabiola Rodriguez ◽  
Antonella Carabajal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Herbal Medicinal Products ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Traditional Uses ◽  
Aerial Parts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Chemical Groups

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae, Caesalpiniaceae) is a plant with a long history of use in Argentine traditional medicines; it belongs to a monotypic genus, and is an endemic species of Argentina. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicology of Z. punctata. A wide range of traditional uses are cited in the literature such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor, among others. Pharmacological studies to date have demonstrated significant activities that support the traditional uses of this plant. No human clinical trials had been completed up to the time of this review and no toxic effect had been detected in animals. Compounds from different chemical groups have been isolated such as phenolic compounds and essential oils. Plant extracts and phytochemicals isolated exhibit a broad range of activities, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antigenotoxic, antioxidant, antiulcer, and nematicidal. The main bioactive phytochemicals in the aerial parts (leaf, stem and flower) were identified as 2′, 4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone and 2′, 4′-dihydroxychalcone and were proposed as chemical markers. Consequently, standardized dry extracts of aerial parts of Z. puntacta could be used in herbal medicinal products. Also, they could be included in phytotherapeutic preparations such as capsules, creams, and gels, and for microencapsulation.

scholarly journals The Phylum Bryozoa as a Promising Source of Anticancer Drugs

Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Figuerola ◽  
Avila
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Antitumor Compounds ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Drug Synthesis ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
Promising Source

Recent advances in sampling and novel techniques in drug synthesis and isolation have promoted the discovery of anticancer agents from marine organisms to combat this major threat to public health worldwide. Bryozoans, which are filter-feeding, aquatic invertebrates often characterized by a calcified skeleton, are an excellent source of pharmacologically interesting compounds including well-known chemical classes such as alkaloids and polyketides. This review covers the literature for secondary metabolites isolated from marine cheilostome and ctenostome bryozoans that have shown potential as cancer drugs. Moreover, we highlight examples such as bryostatins, the most known class of marine-derived compounds from this animal phylum, which are advancing through anticancer clinical trials due to their low toxicity and antineoplastic activity. The bryozoan antitumor compounds discovered until now show a wide range of chemical diversity and biological activities. Therefore, more research focusing on the isolation of secondary metabolites with potential anticancer properties from bryozoans and other overlooked taxa covering wider geographic areas is needed for an efficient bioprospecting of natural products.

scholarly journals Secondary Metabolites in Edible Species: Looking beyond Nutritional Value

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131
Author(s):  
Ana M. L. Seca ◽  
Antoaneta Trendafilova
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Secondary Metabolism ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Organic Molecules ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Biosynthetic Pathways ◽  
Edible Species ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Living Being

Secondary metabolites are organic molecules of low molecular weight, biosynthesized by any living being using a wide range of biosynthetic pathways, known as secondary metabolism [...]

scholarly journals Structures and Bioactivities of Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Genera Dracaena and Sansevieria

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1916
Author(s):  
Zaw Min Thu ◽  
Sann Myint Oo ◽  
Thinn Myat Nwe ◽  
Hnin Thanda Aung ◽  
Chabaco Armijos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Steroidal Saponins ◽  
Structural Motifs ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bioactive Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Phytochemical Constituents ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The species Dracaena and Sansevieria, that are well-known for different uses in traditional medicines and as indoor ornamental plants with air purifying property, are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. In fact, a wide variety of phytochemical constituents have been isolated so far from about seventeen species. This paper has reviewed the literature of about 180 steroidal saponins, isolated from Dracaena and Sansevieria species, as a basis for further studies. Saponins are among the most characteristic metabolites isolated from the two genera. They show a great variety in structural motifs and a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative effects and, in most case, remarkable cytotoxic properties.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document