Contribution to the knowledge of antimycotic properties of anthraquinone and usnic acid from Xantoria parietinaTh. Fr. and Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. thallus

Contribution to the knowledge of antimycotic properties of anthraquinone and usnic acid from Xantoria parietinaTh. Fr. and Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. thallus

 

Secondary metabolites of lichens are the result of complex metabolic patterns which occur in thallus of the organisms which are the individual type of interspecies relations which are the result of coexistence of hyphe mycelium and algal cells. Metabolic activity of both components leads to complex chemical compounds with specific properties. Secondary lichen metabolites which are incorrectly named lichen acids are chemically and functionally diversified group of organic compounds. The classification proposed by Asahina and Shiba (1954) divides them into two groups, that is aliphatic and aromatic compound, among which antraquinone is counted. The study which will be carried out aim at showing fungicidal properties of both compounds and the possibility of their usage against saprophytic storage fungi, which are a serious hazard during food storage. The trial of the antimyciotic effectiveness of usnic acid and antraquinone commonly present in lichen thallus, such as Xantoria parietina and Hypogymnia physodes gives the possibility of their usage as preservatives in place of those used nowadays which have numerous health side effects.