Title:Atranorin – An Interesting Lichen Secondary Metabolite
Volume: 17
Issue: 17
Author(s): Elzbieta Studzinska-Sroka*, Agnieszka Galanty and Wieslawa Bylka
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan,Poland
Keywords:
Atranorin, biological activity, biosynthesis, depside, lichen, secondary metabolites.
Abstract: Background: Atranorin, a compound with the depside structure, is one of the most common
lichen secondary metabolites, characteristic for numerous lichen families but rarely found in some
mosses and higher plants. Over the years various biological properties of atranorin were examined.
Objective: This review summarizes the studies on atranorin, focusing on a number of biological activities
in different fields. The literature describes anti-inflammatory, analgesic, as well as wound healing,
antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities of the depside.
Furthermore, lack of toxicity of atranorin was confirmed in the animals' in vivo assays.
Conclusion: In conclusion, atranorin seems to be an interesting lichen substance, which needs to be
investigated in more detail in order to allow further applications, e.g. in pharmacy, medicine or cosmetology.
