Bio-medical and industrial advantages of usnic acid

Abstract

Lichen is a group of small plants of low order, in which fungi and algae live together. Many species of lichen have been used in ancient times for the treatment of diseases. Lichen of Usnea species was beneficial in hair growth. Similarly, other lichens were used for jaundice, diarrhoea and fevers. Usnic acid is a secondary compound found naturally in the lichen Usnea. Scientific description of bio-medicinal and industrial utility of Usnic acid has been given in detail.