Lichens- Role in Traditional Medicine and Drug Discovery

Abstract

Lichens represent a unique division in the plant kingdom. They have been used in Traditional systems of medicine including Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Homeopathic and Western Medical Herbals. Lichens have been used in the treatment of diverse diseases like arthritis, alopecia, constipation, kidney diseases, leprosy, pharyngitis rabies, infection, worm and infestation. The medicinal utility of lichens is regarded to presence of secondary compounds like of usnic acid and atranorin. Animal investigations on lichens have demonstrated antimicrobial, antitumor and immunomodulaor activity. One of the reasons for exploring biological compounds in lichens is the potential for medical use. However, much work remains to link medical effects with specific lichen species.