Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Romanian Cetraria islandica (L) Ach

Lichens (Lichenophyta phylum), the least exploited subdivision of fungus, are composite plants used in folk medicine for the treatment of diverse pathologies, from respiratory to digestive diseases, as they contain over 500 potentially bioactive compounds identified up-to-date. Lichen adds, such as usnic acid, lobar acid, lecanoric acid or salazinic acid, are among these compounds, with biopharmaceutical applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic agents. The objectives of this study were to extract usnic acid from Romanian Cetraria islandica, (Parmeliaceae family), to characterize the extracts and to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The extracts were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and HPTLC techniques. The extracts and pure usnic acid have shown high antioxidant activity and have activity against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi such as Candida albicans. Therefore, the analyzed bioactive compounds could be used as the basis of pharmaceutical formulations to treat various respiratory and digestive disorders.