Antimicrobial, Antiviral and Cytotoxic Activity of New Zealand Lichens
Nigel B. PerryPlant Extracts Research Unit, New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Ltd, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New ZealandM. H. BennDepartment of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, CanadaNerida J. BrennanUniversity of OtagoElaine J. BurgessPlant Extracts Research Unit, New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Ltd, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New ZealandGill EllisDepartment of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandD. J. GallowayStephen D. LorimerPlant Extracts Research Unit, New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Ltd, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New ZealandRaymond S. TangneyDepartment of Botany, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
1999en
ABI
Abstract
Abstract A total of 69 species of lichens have been collected from various locations around New Zealand. Screening of extracts of these species for antimicrobial, antiviral and cytotoxic activity showed a high proportion with biological activity. Active extracts were generally from species known to contain phenolic compounds. Bioactivity-directed isolation work on Cladia retipora, Pseudocyphellaria glabra and P. homoeophylla led to the identification of usnic acid as the main antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiviral component in these three species.
Identifiers
Citations and references
Cited by 20 references