Broad spectrum antifungal properties of the lichen Heterodermia leucomela Lichens produce a diverse range of chemical products, many of which have been found to have antimicrobial activity (Elix 1996; Lawrey 1986; Land & Lundstrom 1998). Most of these antimicrobial substances are phenolic derivatives (e.g. usnic acid) and have extremely low solubilities in water. This short communication deals with the evaluation of water-soluble substances from Heterodermia leucomela (L.
During antifungal screening of some plants, the water extract of lichen, Parmelia cirrhatum was found to be most effective against tested pathogenic fungi at the range of 60-80 microL/mL concentrations. The extract showed heavy doses of inoculum potential at 80 microL/mL and the antifungal activity of the extract did not expire up to 24 months of storage. The extract did not showed any irritation on mammalian skin up to 10% concentration. Thus, the water extract of Parmelia cirrhatum can be used a potential source of natural antifungal against fungal infections.
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