• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.29 no.7
• /
• pp.1155-1164
• /
• 2019

Lichens contain diverse bioactive secondary metabolites with various chemical and biological properties, which have been widely studied. However, details of the inhibitory mechanisms of their secondary metabolites against influenza A virus (IAV) have not been documented. Here, we investigated the antiviral effect of lichen extracts, obtained from South Korea, against IAV in MDCK cells. Of the lichens tested, Nipponoparmelia laevior (LC24) exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect against IAV infection. LC24 extract significantly increased cell viability, and reduced apoptosis in IAV-infected cells. The LC24 extract also markedly reduced (~ 3.2 log-fold) IAV mRNA expression after 48 h of infection. To understand the antiviral mechanism of LC24 against IAV, proteomic (UPLC-$HDMS^E$) analysis was performed to compare proteome modulation in IAV-infected (V) vs. mock (M) and LC24+IAV (LCV) vs. V cells. Based on Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), LC24 inhibited IAV infection by modulating several antiviral-related genes and proteins (HSPA4, HSPA5, HSPA8, ANXA1, ANXA2, $HIF-1{\alpha}$, AKT1, MX1, HNRNPH1, HNRNPDL, PDIA3, and VCP) via different signaling pathways, including $HIF-1{\alpha}$ signaling, unfolded protein response, and interferon signaling. These molecules were identified as the specific biomarkers for controlling IAV in vitro and further confirmation of their potential against IAV in vivo is required. Our findings provide a platform for further studies on the application of lichen extracts against IAV.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.135-147
• /
• 1986

The simplification and the searching trends of complex data which assumed relationship between predictor variables and object variables are one of primary objective of ecological research. This study was aimed to apply cononical analysis consisting of canonical correlation analysis and canonical variate analysis related to lichen vegetation and several environmental variables which are elevation, height on grond, exposure side and cover values. Data collected from the Duckyoo National Park in August 1985. Lichen species was ranked by eqivocation information theory with cover values. Canonical correlation analysis was applied to one data set both set both environmental variables and lichem family. In order to make two sets of data matrix the scale of position vector ordination was calculated from the vector scalar product for lichen species. Canonical variate analysis was applied to rearranged data which was made by interval class code for environmental variables. The sharpness values was calculated in frequency of cotingency tables and the dispersion profiles of each species in classes of environmental variables was designed to extract component values based on the decomposition of expected frequencies in contingency table. The results of canonical correlation analysis revealed canonical first correlation value 0.815(89%), and second correlation value 0.083(11%). Significance test showed that the hypothesis of joint mutuallity of canonical correlation is accepted (P>0.05). The relation between canonical score of vegetation variables and that of environmental variable indicated linear tendency.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.350-357
• /
• 2013

Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of fungi, algae, or cyanobacteria which are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions ranging from deserts to polar areas. Some lichen symbionts produce a wide range of secondary metabolites that have many biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory etc. Among the symbionts of lichens, of the bacterial communities of lichen symbionts little is known. In this study, we isolated 4 microbial species from the Arctic lichen Stereocaulon spp. and evaluated their antioxidant properties using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay as well as 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay. Total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were also measured. A potent radical scavenging activity was detected in a number of the lichen extracts. Among the 4 species tested in this study, the ethyl acetate extract of Bosea vestrisii 36546(T) exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging activity, with an inhibition rate of 86.8% in DPPH and 75.2% in ABTS assays. Overall, these results suggest that lichen-bacteria could be a potential source of natural antioxidants.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.322-327
• /
• 2008

Antifungal activities of natural substrances from Eucalyptus darlympleana, E. globules, E. gunnii and E. unigera were evaluated against postharvest pathogens of kiwifruits, Botrytis cinerea, Botryosphaeria dothidea, and Diaporthe actinidiae, to screen effective natural substances as an alternative to chemical fungicides. Methanol extract of the Eucalyptus trees showed strong antagonistic activity against the pathogenic fungi. Among them, E. unigera and E. darlympleana effectively inhibited mycelial growth of the pathogens. For chemical identification of the antifungal substances, the methanol extract of E. darlympleana leaves was successively partitioned with $CH_2Cl_2$, EtOAc, n-BuOH and $H_2O$. Among the fractions, $CH_2Cl_2$ and n-BuOH showed strong inhibitory activity of mycelial growth of the fungi. Five compounds were isolated from EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions subjected to $SiO_2$ column chromatography. Two phenolic compounds(gallic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) and three flavonoid compounds(quercetin, quercetin-3-O-$\alpha$-L-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-$\beta$-glucoside) were identified by $^1H$-NMR and $^{13}C$-NMR spectroscopy. Among them, only gallic acid was found to be effective in mycelial growth and spore germination of B. cinerea at relatively high concentrations. The results suggest that gallic acid can be a safer and more acceptable alternative to current synthetic fungicides controlling soft rot decay of kiwifruit during postharvest storage.

• Biomaterials Research
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.328-336
• /
• 2018

Background: Biogenic fabrication of silver nanoparticles from naturally occurring biomaterials provides an alternative, eco-friendly and cost-effective means of obtaining nanoparticles. It is a favourite pursuit of all scientists and has gained popularity because it prevents the environment from pollution. Our main objective to take up this project is to fabricate silver nanoparticles from lichen, Usnea longissima and explore their properties. In the present study, we report a benign method of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous-ethanolic extract of Usnea longissima and their characterization by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Silver nanoparticles thus obtained were tested for antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria. Results: Formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the appearance of an absorption band at 400 nm in the UV-vis spectrum of the colloidal solution containing both the nanoparticles and U. longissima extract. Poly(ethylene glycol) coated silver nanoparticles showed additional absorption peaks at 424 and 450 nm. FTIR spectrum showed the involvement of amines, usnic acids, phenols, aldehydes and ketones in the reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Morphological studies showed three types of nanoparticles with an abundance of spherical shaped silver nanoparticles of 9.40-11.23 nm. Their average hydrodynamic diameter is 437.1 nm. Results of in vitro antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Corynebacterium xerosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (gram positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneuomoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative bacteria) showed that it was effective against tested bacterial strains. However, S. mutans, C. diphtheriae and P. aeruginosa were resistant to silver nanoparticles. Conclusion: Lichens are rarely exploited for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles. In the present work the lichen acts as reducing as well as capping agent. They can therefore, be used to synthesize metal nanoparticles and their size may be controlled by monitoring the concentration of extract and metal ions. Since they are antibacterial they may be used for the treatment of bacterial infections in man and animal. They can also be used in purification of water, in soaps and medicine. Their sustained release may be achieved by coating them with a suitable polymer. Silver nanoparticles fabricated from edible U. longissima are free from toxic chemicals and therefore they can be safely used in medicine and medical devices. These silver nanoparticles were stable for weeks therefore they can be stored for longer duration of time without decomposition.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.12
• /
• pp.978-986
• /
• 2023

Inflammation by the innate immune system is a protective mechanism of the organism against infection-mediated environmental factors. It is also responsible for the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including the progression of cancer. Lichens are receiving increasing attention as a source of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Additionally, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential of lichen and its secondary metabolites have been widely reported. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, to investigate molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activity in the Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, methanol extract of Usnea aurantiaco-atra (MEUS) was used in vitro assays in RAW 264.7 macrophages cell and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Based on our data, MEUS had the anti-inflammatory activity through the modulation of main inflammatory indicators such as COX-2, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α and NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that MEUS had cytotoxic activity against HCT116 colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to a significantly reduced proliferation of the cancer cells through apoptotic induction by activating caspase-3. Taken together, this work firstly reported the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of an Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, and MEUS may provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying a link between inflammation and cancer.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.101-104
• /
• 2000

An inhibitory activity against ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ was identified in extract of an edible lichen, Umbilicaria esculenta. The inhibitor was very stable retaining above 95% of its original activity when treated with heat, acid and alkaline conditions, and some hydrolytic enzymes. Partially purified inhibitor showed strong inhibition against disaccharide hydrolytic enzymes of mammalian and mold origin, but weak or no inhibition against polysaccharide hydrolytic enzymes except glucoamylase. The inhibitor suppressed elevation of blood glucose level in rats after oral administration of soluble starch or sucrose.

• Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.578-582
• /
• 2007

The primary objective of this study was to assess the in vitro melanogenesis inhibitory effects of methanolic extracts of the edible and medicinal lichens, Umbilicaria (Gyrophora) esculenta and Usnea longissima. The quantities of the total phenolic compounds of methanolic extract of the two lichen extracts were determined to be 1.46% and 2.62%, respectively. In order to evaluate the antioxidative effects of the extracts, we also measured electron donating abilities (EDA) and lipid peroxidation rates. The EDA values measured by the reduction of 1.1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were 72.8% and 80.7% for the extracts, with $SC_{50}$ (median scavenging concentration) values of $1.29{\pm}0.05\;mg/ml$ and $1.03{\pm}0.06\;mg/ml$, respectively. The rates of inhibition of lipid peroxidation using linoleic acid were 92.1% and 97.3% for the extracts, with $IC_{50}$ (median inhibitory concentration) values of $0.57{\pm}0.05\;mg/ml$ and $0.53{\pm}0.06\;mg/ml$, respectively. The inhibitory rates of the extracts against tyrosinase were 67.4% and 84.8%, respectively. The extracts were shown to reduce melanin formation in human melanoma cells. Melanin contents in the samples treated with 0.01% and 0.1% U. esculenta were 47.1% and 31.2%, respectively, and those treated with 0.01% and 0.1% Usnea longissima were 51.1% and 34.9%, respectively, whereas a value of 54.0% was registered when ascorbic acid was utilized as a positive control. In addition to direct tyrosinase inhibition, it was determined that the lichen extracts affected the activity of tyrosinase via the inhibition of tyrosinase glycosylation. As a result, the methanolic extracts of U. esculenta and Usnea longissima evidenced melanogenesis inhibitory effects, which occurred via multiple routes.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.165-171
• /
• 2013

To isolate a novel antifungal compound, we obtained 571 kinds of endolichenic fungi from Lichen Bioresources Center and examined their antifungal abilities. Four fungi Stereocaulon sp. (1429), Stereocaulon sp. (1430), Cryptosporiopsis sp. (0156), and Graphis sp. (1245) showed high antifungal activity against Candida albicans when they grew in both liquid and solid media. We extracted the culture supernatants of these fungi with chloroform and then ethyl acetate. The chloroform fraction exhibited the highest anti-fungal activities when those fractions were examined for the growth inhibition of Candida albicans with disc diffusion method. To see information for the inhibitor present in chloroform fraction we employed GC-MS for the fractions of Stereocaulon sp. (1429). We found that hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, decanoic acid, hexadecanonic acid-methyl ester, 14-octadecenoic acid-methyl ester, and octadecenoic acid-methyl ester were present more in chloroform fraction than in ethylacetate fraction. This indicates that those compounds could be possible antifungal candidates since antifungal activity of chloroform extract was two times higher than that of ethyl acetate extract.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.40 no.9
• /
• pp.623-629
• /
• 1996

In order to identify antibiotic substances in the extract of a lichen, Umbilicaria vellea, the extract was chromatographed and two compounds were isolated. Compound I which showed antifungal and antibacterial activities, melted around 129∼132$^{\circ}C$ and showed UV absorption at 217, 265 and 300 nm. It showed a molecular ion at m/z 196. Its molecular formular was confirmed to be $C_{10}H_{12}O_4$ from elemental analysis. From its IR and NMR data it was identified to be ethyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methyl benzoate. Compound II melted around 58∼59$^{\circ}C$ and showed UV absorption at 212, 276 and 282 nm. It showed a molecular ion at m/z 124 and molecular formular was confirmed to be $C_7H_8O_2.$ From the analysis of its IR and NMR spectra it was identified to be 5-methyl-1,3-benzenediol.