Exploring the antioxidant and protective effects of usnic acid: Opportunities and challenges

• DOI: 10.51753/flsrt.1572004
• Publication Date: 2025-04-30T23:36:44Z
• Authors: Tubanur Aslan Engin
• Keywords: Usnic acid

Lichens are symbiotic organisms that produce a variety of secondary metabolites, including the well-known usnic acid (C18H16O7), which has garnered attention for its diverse biological activities and potential applications. Usnic acid, primarily found in lichen species such as Usnea Cladonia, is yellowish-green compound with notable antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties. Its antioxidant activity particularly significant, ability to neutralize free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, stabilize cell membranes. metabolite various species, recognized potent structure, characterized by dibenzofuran backbone phenolic hydroxyl groups, allows it radicals protecting cells from oxidative stress. can also chelate metal ions like iron copper, preventing them catalyzing reactions harmful reactive oxygen species. This capacity interest both pharmaceutical cosmetic fields. acid’s reduce damage makes promising ingredient sunscreens anti-aging products, where protects skin ultraviolet (UV) radiation environmental pollutants. Additionally, modulate enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase may further enhance protective effects against stress-related damage, inflammation aging. effectively neutralizes prevent peroxidation comparable vitamin E. However, this vary depending on specific conditions. Vitamin C ROS types aqueous environments, but directly more limited compared E or acid. practical use hepatotoxicity at high concentrations, systemic Despite these challenges, remains valuable ongoing research, especially topical products aimed combating stress damage.