What is it? • Usnic acid is a complex polycyclic chemical compound produced naturally by certain lichens species. • Lichens containing usnic acid have been used as traditional medicines and crude drugs in other countries. • Usnic acid as a pure substance has been formulated in creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants and sunscreen products, either as an active principle or a preservative. FDA ...

In the presented study, we describe techniques for glutathione and pigment determination in lichens used in our laboratory. Glutathione and xanthophyll cycle pigments, especially zeaxanthin, are important antioxidants protecting plants against various stresses. In our laboratory, the high light stress in lichens has been intensively studied for several years. We extract glutathione in HCl and d...

The effectiveness of lichens in degrading their rock substrates, leading to the first stages in the formation of soil, has long been discussed and opinions have varied widely (Jones, 1988; Syers & lskandar, 1973). Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that lichen encrusted rocks provide an ideal environment for studying the biological weathering of minerals since, unlike the situation in soi...

Lichens are rich in nutrients and biologically active compounds that belong to different chemical classes. The abilities of members have encouraged researchers investigate further applications these fields other than the food acnd pharmaceutical industries. In this review, some unusual current potential described.

The majority of managed forests in Fennoscandia are younger than 70 years old but yet little is known about their potential to host rare and threatened species. In this study, we examined red-listed bryophytes and lichens in 19 young stands originating from clear-cutting (30-70 years old) in the boreal region, finding 19 red-listed species (six bryophytes and 13 lichens). We used adjoining old ...