title: Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: a Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: A A S
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.affiliation: a Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: M G D
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: de Melo
authors.affiliation: b Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre , Brazil.
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Rabelo
authors.affiliation: a Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.affiliation: a Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: c Federal University of Sergipe , Lagarto , Brazil.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Serafini
authors.affiliation: a Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: M R V
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: a Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Quintans-Júnior
authors.affiliation: c Federal University of Sergipe , Lagarto , Brazil.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Gelain
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D008011:Lichens / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D001572:Benzofurans; C073339:usnic acid
keywords: antimicrobial; antioxidant; biological activity; lichen; usnic acid