Advance in studies on chemical constituents and pharmacological activity of lichens in Usnea genus / 中国中药杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the studies on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of lichens of Usnea genus.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>A systematic literature survey was conducted to classifiy and summarize chemical constituents of lichens of Usnea genus, and sum up current studies on main pharmacological activities of lichens of the genus.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Lichens of Usnea genus contained multiple chemical constituents, primarily including mono-substituted phenyl rings, depsides, anthraquinones, dibenzofurans, steroids, terpenes, fatty acids and polysaccharides, with such biological activities as antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and antithrombosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This essay provides reference for further studies and development of lichens of Usnea genus.</p>