Usnic acid: from an ancient lichen derivative to promising biological and nanotechnology applications
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Usnic acid: from an ancient lichen derivative to promising biological and nanotechnology applications D. C. S. Macedo . F. J. F. Almeida . M. S. O. Wanderley . M. S. Ferraz . N. P. S. Santos . A. M. Q. Lo´pez . N. S. Santos-Magalha˜es . M. C. B. Lira-Nogueira
Received: 21 January 2020 / Accepted: 25 August 2020 Ó Springer Nature B.V. 2020
Abstract Among the various compounds of natural origin, usnic acid (UA) is one of the best studied. It has several pharmacological activities, standing out as an antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, and antiparasitic agent, and despite these relevant properties, it is a toxic molecule. In this context, research has driven the development of innovative alternatives, such as their encapsulation in controlled release systems, an attractive tool for pharmaceutical nanotechnology. These
systems allow the active ingredient to be released at the optimal yield speed and reduce the dosing regimen. Consequently, they are able to increase therapeutic efficacy by minimizing side effects. Given the above, this paper presents a review of the literature on chemical and biological properties, analytical methods, mechanism of action and toxicology of UA, and discusses the use of nanotechnology as a tool to overcome the obstacles of its pharmacological application.
D. C. S. Macedo F. J. F. Almeida M. S. Ferraz N. P. S. Santos N. S. Santos-Magalha˜es (&) M. C. B. Lira-Nogueira (&) Keizo-Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Center for Biological Sciences (CCB), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universita´ria, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil e-mail: [email protected]
Keywords Usnic acid Chemical and biological properties Mechanisms of action Nanotechnology
M. C. B. Lira-Nogueira e-mail: [email protected]
Modern science arises interest in the discovery of new molecules with attractive pharmacological applications, whether from natural sources or from chemical modifications from pre-existing molecules. Given the vast biodiversity, these bioactive molecules can be extracted from animals, plants, algae, bacteria and fungi (Xu et al. 2019). In this context, lichens are noteworthy, as they are basic living beings resulting from the symbiosis between fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria. They have a wide geographical distribution, from the tropics to the poles, inhabiting the surface of rocks, soils and tree trunks. The attention
M. S. O. Wanderley Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Pernambuco State University (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil N. P. S. Santos M. C. B. Lira-Nogueira Academic Center of Vito´ria (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Vito´ria de Santo Anta˜o, PE, Brazil A. M. Q. Lo´pez Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceio´, AL, Brazil
Introduction
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Phytochem Rev
given to these organisms is due to their ability to produce attractive substances, such as hyphae-synthesized secondary metabolites, which are used as a defen
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