Research
Usnic Acid
42 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Antioxidant activity and mechanisms of action of natural compounds isolated from lichens: a systematic review.
Systematic review of the antioxidant potential and mechanisms of action of natural compounds isolated from lichens, focusing on usnic acid. The review highlights antioxidant assays and mechanisms such as scavenging of reactive species, enzymatic activation, and inhibition of iNOS.
Usnic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors ofUracil-DNA Glycosylase.
The study identified usnic acid derivatives as inhibitors of uracil-DNA glycosylase (MtbUng), an enzyme involved in DNA repair in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most potent compound, OL10-88-1, significantly inhibited MtbUng activity and could potentially enhance the efficacy of anti-TB drugs by targeting DNA-repair-deficient mycobacteria.
Usnic acid and tannic acid as inhibitors of coccidia and Clostridium perfringens: alleviating necrotic enteritis and improving intestinal health in broiler chickens.
The study examined the effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia, sporozoite, and Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens. In vitro, these acids increased apoptosis in coccidian oocysts and sporozoites and inhibited C. perfringens. In vivo, they improved growth performance, reduced intestinal lesions, and altered gut microbiota, with the combination showing superior effects.
Self-Surfactant Poly-3hydroxybutyrate--3hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) for the Preparation of Usnic Acid Loaded Antimicrobial Nanoparticles Using Nontoxic Chemicals.
The study explores the use of self-surfactant poly-3hydroxybutyrate--3hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) for preparing usnic acid-loaded antimicrobial nanoparticles. The nanoparticles demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against planktonic Newman strain and biofilm inhibition, with no cytotoxicity at tested concentrations, offering a sustainable strategy for drug delivery.
Usnic acid impacts energy production and iron metabolism inH37Rv.
The study examines the impact of usnic acid on the metabolism of the virulent H37Rv strain of mycobacteria. It highlights the downregulation of key lipid classes and the involvement of iron in the stress response, with a switch to alternative energy production pathways under usnic acid stress. The findings suggest strain-specific metabolic responses to usnic acid.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Usnic Acid as a Potential Drug Candidate for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights from Transcriptomic, Proteomic, and In Vivo Analyses.
The study provides a comprehensive molecular characterization of usnic acid in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using transcriptomic, proteomic, and in vivo analyses. Usnic acid modulates key oncogenic pathways and increases apoptosis in TNBC cells, with in vivo xenograft models validating its tumor-suppressive effects.
Integrated Metabolomics Using Data-Dependent Acquisition and Data-Independent Acquisition and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Mechanisms of Usnic Acid in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
The study investigates the mechanisms of usnic acid's antitumor effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation with A549 cell samples. It identifies 47 potential metabolites and 24 targets, highlighting myeloperoxidase (MPO) as a key target, and suggests that MPO inhibition by usnic acid reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
A Mechanistic Insight into the Anti-Staphylococcal Mode of Action of (+)-Usnic Acid and Its Synergy with Norfloxacin Against Methicillin-Resistant.
The study explores the mechanism of action of Usnic acid and its synergy with Norfloxacin against MRSA. Usnic acid showed strong anti-staphylococcal activity, modulated efflux pump activity, and synergized with Norfloxacin. Proteome profiling revealed modulation of several proteins by Usnic acid and Norfloxacin. In vivo, Usnic acid at low concentrations prevented body weight gain without significant toxicological changes.
Discovery of semisynthetic derivatives of ()- and ()-usnic acids as potential antifungal agents againstand.
The study explores semisynthetic derivatives of usnic acid as potential antifungal agents. It focuses on modifying the usnic acid scaffold to improve antifungal efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties. The resulting compounds were evaluated for antifungal activity against three strains, identifying several promising candidates for antifungal therapeutics.
Synthesis of Schiff Bases of Usnic Acid and Investigation of Their Antidiabetic, Antidepressant, Anti-Parkinson's, Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Potentials.
The study synthesized Schiff base derivatives of usnic acid to explore their antidiabetic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-Parkinson's properties. Compound 4 showed strong antidiabetic and antidepressant activities and superior antioxidant activity compared to commercial antioxidants. No significant anti-Parkinson's or neuroprotective activities were observed.
Usnic Acid Derivatives as Multi-Target Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Agents: Design, Synthesis, X-Ray Single Crystal Structure of Zn(II) Complex and Biological Activities.
The study designed and synthesized two usnic acid derivatives to enhance anti-Alzheimer's effects and reduce toxicity. These derivatives showed stronger anti-cholinesterase activities and similar antioxidant activities compared to usnic acid. The study also explored the crystal structure of a Zn(II) complex with one derivative, suggesting detoxification and metal homeostasis regulation.
Usnic acid attenuates inflammation and joint damage in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
The study evaluated the effects of usnic acid in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Usnic acid attenuated inflammation and joint damage, improved oxidative stress parameters, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent in rheumatoid arthritis.
Usnic acid chitosan-coated liposomes synergistic activity with polymyxin B against multidrug-resistantandclinical.
The study evaluated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and hemocompatibility profiles of usnic acid encapsulated in chitosan-coated liposomes (Lipo-UA-Chi), alone and in combination with polymyxin B, against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains. The Lipo-UA-Chi + PMB combination showed additive or synergistic interactions, with significant reductions in MIC and superior biofilm inhibition and eradication.
Translating in vitro mechanistic findings to in vivo toxicity outcomes: A case study of Usnic acid hepatotoxicity.
The study evaluates the performance of quantitative in-vitro-to-in-vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) using usnic acid as a model compound. It links in vitro concentration-response data to in vivo dose-response relationships, predicting equivalent administered doses that align with reported exposure levels associated with hepatotoxicity. The study supports the translational relevance of QIVIVE in assessing the hepatotoxicity of usnic acid.
Usnic acid induces apoptosis and inhibits cell migration and invasion in hepatocarcinoma cells: in vitro and in silico analysis.
In vitro study investigating the effects of usnic acid on human hepatocarcinoma cell line Hep3B. Usnic acid demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration and invasion. Molecular docking analyses suggested strong binding interactions with key target proteins.
An Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity and Safety Profile of Usnic Acid for a Broad Panel of Human Cancers and Normal Cells with Respect to Its Enantiospecificity.
The study evaluated the cytotoxicity of usnic acid enantiomers against various cancer cell lines and non-cancerous cells. Colon cancer HCT116 cells were most sensitive, with no enantiomeric dominance. (+)-Usnic acid was more effective in prostate cancer PC3 cells, while brain cancer cells and normal astrocytes were least affected. The study highlights the potential advantage of (+)-usnic acid in chemopreventive strategies.
Tissue distribution of OL9-116, a Tdp1 inhibitor based on usnic acid, is significantly altered in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice compared to healthy animals.
The study developed and validated LC-MS/MS methods for quantifying OL9-116, a Tdp1 inhibitor based on usnic acid, in various tissues of mice. It found that the presence of a tumor significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of OL9-116, reducing its bioavailability in tumor-bearing mice compared to healthy animals.
Phytochemical combinations of lichen(L.) Ach. reduce drug resistance to temozolomide but not to paclitaxel.
The study investigated the adjuvant potential of lichen extracts and their metabolites, evernic acid and usnic acid, in combination with temozolomide and paclitaxel. Evernic acid showed potential in reducing drug resistance to temozolomide in U-87 cells by interacting with the Wnt pathway, without increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Ramalina farinacea mitigates cytogenotoxicity and physiological, biochemical, and anatomical alterations induced by nickel in Allium cepa.
The study investigated the potential of Ramalina farinacea lichen extract to mitigate the toxic effects of nickel chloride on Allium cepa. The extract alleviated adverse effects such as impaired root development, disrupted mitotic activity, and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting its protective role against Ni-induced phytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
Usnic acid alleviates pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the ZNF70-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
The study investigates the effects of usnic acid (UA) on pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on its inhibition of the ZNF70-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. UA was found to prevent the expression of fibrosis markers and inhibit fibroblast activation in vitro and in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting its potential as a treatment strategy.
From lichen to organoids: Usnic acid enantiomers show promise against Cholangiocarcinoma via MNK2 targeting and MAPK pathway modulation.
The study investigates usnic acid enantiomers as potential anti-cancer agents against cholangiocarcinoma. It identifies MNK2 as a primary target and demonstrates modulation of the MAPK pathway, leading to decreased phosphorylation of eIF4E and suppression of cancer-promoting proteins. The findings are validated in both 2D cell cultures and patient-derived 3D organoid models.
Nanocomposite gel containing usnic acid: Characterization and evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy on Staphylococcus epidermidis.
The study characterizes a nanocomposite gel containing usnic acid (UA) for skin application, evaluating its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The micellar formulation increased UA's solubility and permeability, and the gel demonstrated effective antibacterial activity, suggesting potential for treating skin infections.
Synergistic Anti-tumorigenic Effects of Cabazitaxel and Usnic Acid Combination on Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells.
The study evaluated the synergistic anti-tumorigenic effects of combining usnic acid (UA) with cabazitaxel (Cbx) on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells. Results showed that UA significantly enhanced the efficacy of Cbx by increasing apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels, and disrupting mitochondrial health, suggesting a potential combined therapeutic strategy for mCRPC treatment.
Controlling Oral Polymicrobial Biofilm Using Usnic Acid on the Surface of Titanium in the Artificial Saliva Media.
The study investigates the use of usnic acid to control biofilm formation on titanium dental implants in artificial saliva media. Usnic acid significantly reduced biofilm formation of bacterial and fungal pathogens, enhancing the efficacy of antibiotics and antifungals.
Enantiospecific hepatotoxicity of usnic acid in vitro, and the attempt to modify the toxic effect.
In vitro study comparing the hepatotoxic potential of (+)- and (-)-usnic acid enantiomers on HepG2 cells. (-)-Usnic acid exhibited significantly greater hepatotoxicity than (+)-usnic acid, with co-treatment using hepatoprotectants like squalene and N-acetylcysteine partially alleviating toxicity.
andevaluation of the trypanocidal activity of the acetone extract of lichenand its chemical constituents.
The study describes the chemical analysis of an acetone extract from lichen and evaluates its trypanocidal activity. Usnic acid, one of the isolated constituents, showed significant trypanocidal activity against trypomastigote and amastigote forms, with promising results for future pharmacological applications.
Targeting heat shock protein 90 with usnic acid relieves immune suppression via aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated mechanisms in lung cancer.
The study investigates usnic acid (UA) targeting the HSP90-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) axis to suppress immune evasion in lung cancer. UA downregulates HSP90 and disrupts the HSP90-AhR complex, reducing AhR-associated gene expression and immune checkpoint molecules. A water-soluble derivative, potassium usnate (KU), showed dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition and enhanced immune cell infiltration in a lung cancer mouse model.
Usnic Acid induces dual-pathway apoptosis in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells via PARP1 inhibition and MAPK pathway activation.
The study investigates the anti-cancer potential of usnic acid in chemotherapy-resistant SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Usnic acid induces apoptosis by inhibiting PARP1 and activating the MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for ovarian cancer.
Natural product as a lead for impairing mitochondrial respiration in cancer cells.
The study investigates the impact of an isoxazole derivative of usnic acid on cancer and non-cancerous cell metabolism. It significantly reduced mitochondrial electron flow and oxygen consumption rate in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, leading to increased ROS production and reduced cell viability. The compound targets mitochondrial complex II, impairing ATP production.
Electrospun nanofibers for localized drug release of a neuroprotective natural extract of Usnea ghattensis.
The study investigates the incorporation of methanolic extract of Usnea ghattensis into poly (caprolactone) nanofibers for localized drug release. Usnic acid was identified as the most relevant compound, showing high protective effects in a human neuroblastoma cell line model under oxidative stress, with negligible toxicity.
BRAF inhibitor candidate molecule usnic acid might use both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis.
The study evaluated the anticancer effect of usnic acid (UA) on A-375 melanoma cells and human epidermal melanocytes. UA showed an antiproliferative effect on A-375 cells without cytotoxicity on melanocytes, increasing caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities and altering the expression of apoptosis-related genes.
Design, synthesis, structural characterization, cytotoxicity and computational studies of Usnic acid derivative as potential anti-breast cancer agent against MCF7 and T47D cell lines.
The study synthesized a usnic acid derivative (UA1) and assessed its anticancer potential against breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and T47D using MTT assay. UA1 exhibited strong antitumor activities with IC values of 9.21 µM for MCF7 and 14.8 µM for T47D, comparable to cisplatin. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated strong interaction and stability of UA1 with the target protein.
Identification and determination of usnic acid and fatty acid from various lichen species in arequipa, Peru, as well as antibacterial and antioxidant capacity.
The study identified and quantified usnic acid and fatty acids from various lichen species in Arequipa, Peru, using HPLC-DAD and GC-FID. The extracts showed antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains and demonstrated antioxidant capacity through various assays.
Usnic acid brief exposure suppresses cariogenic properties and complexity ofbiofilms.
The study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of usnic acid on dental biofilms. Usnic acid treatment reduced the cariogenic properties and complexity of biofilm by inhibiting acid production, acid tolerance, and disrupting extracellular polysaccharide formation, indicating its potential for preventing dental caries.
In vitro, in vivo and in silico anticancer activity and toxicity of Usnic acid extracted from the mycobiont culture of Usnea baileyi.
The study isolated Usnic acid from Usnea baileyi lichen and explored its toxicological and pharmacological properties. In vitro analysis showed anticancer potential against G361 skin cancer cell lines, and in vivo studies using zebrafish indicated acute toxicity. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also suggested.
The Influence of TDP1 Inhibitor Usnic Acid Derivative OL9-116 on the Effects of Topotecan in Human Cells.
The study investigates the TDP1 inhibitor OL9-116, a derivative of usnic acid, and its ability to enhance the effects of the anticancer drug topotecan in human tumor cells. OL9-116 enhanced the cytotoxic effect of topotecan on tumor cells without affecting nontumor or TDP1-deficient cells, indicating a synergistic effect mediated by TDP1 inhibition.
A New Trichlorinated Xanthone and Compounds Isolated fromwith Antimicrobial Properties.
The study investigated the antimicrobial properties of compounds isolated from Hawaiian lichen, including a newly identified trichlorinated xanthone, usnic acid, and perlatolic acid. Compounds demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against MRSA and MSSA, with MICs ranging from 2 to 4 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity testing showed higher sensitivity in A549 cells than in Vero E6 cells.
Phytochemical characterization and bioactivity evaluation of Himalayan lichenVain.: antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effects.
The study investigated the chemical composition and biological activity of acetone and methanol extracts of the lichen species Vain. from Pakistan. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of salazinic acid, usnic acid, and arabitol. The acetone extract showed stronger antioxidant and antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, and inhibited biofilm formation.
Natural Product Usnic Acid as an Antibacterial Therapeutic Agent: Current Achievements and Further Prospects.
This review consolidates current knowledge on usnic acid's antibacterial properties, molecular mechanisms, and combinatorial therapies. It evaluates advancements in nanoformulation strategies, assesses safety and toxicity profiles, and identifies obstacles to its development as a clinically viable antibacterial agent.
Cyclodextrin-Based Systems ofExtracts: A Novel Approach to Improve Solubility and Biological Activity of Lichen-Derived Natural Products.
The study investigates cyclodextrin-based systems to improve the solubility and biological activity of lichen-derived natural products, specifically focusing on fumarprotocetraric acid (FPCA) from CI extracts. The systems prepared with HP-β-CD and HP-γ-CD via solvent evaporation showed higher activity and enhanced FPCA release compared to pure extracts.
Multifaceted Properties of Usnic Acid in Disrupting Cancer Hallmarks.
Narrative review exploring the multifaceted properties of usnic acid in disrupting cancer hallmarks. The paper discusses UA's potential as a cytotoxic agent against cancer cells and its impact on various cancer hallmarks, providing insights into its therapeutic potential.
Evaluating the impact of Xanthoparmelia conspersa extracts on signaling in HeLa cells and exploring their diverse biological activities.
The study evaluated the chemical composition and biological activities of Xanthoparmelia conspersa extracts, focusing on their effects on cancer signaling pathways in HeLa cells. Usnic acid was the predominant constituent in the hexane extract, which showed selective inhibition of cancer-related signaling pathways such as Stat3, Smad, NF-κB, cMYC, and Notch.