Uncovering the Anticancer Potential of Lichen Secondary Metabolites

Abstract

Lichens produce a plethora of primary and secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites have several biological functions that can be used for human health. Recent studies have described their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimycotic, and antibiotic/antiviral activities. However, attention has mainly been focused on their antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and anticancer effects. Because there are many publications describing the molecular mechanisms leading to the anticancer effects of lichen secondary metabolites, the aim of this review is to summarize results from current research with the main emphasis on atranorin, usnic and gyrophoric acid.