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Abstract
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Plants contain material that helps treat different kinds of body disorders due to the presence of various compounds in them. Lichens possess medicinal effects that show very beneficial properties in terms of health. Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are formed on the surface of plants and grow by a combination of algae and fungi. Different species of lichens grow worldwide and some of them are discussed in this review, but the main focus is on Parmotrema perlatum and Parmotrema genus as compared to others. They grow mostly in cold and dry areas as well as in mountainous regions and rocks around the world. These lichens contain phenolic compounds (flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, pulvinic acid derivatives), terpenoids (e.g., triterpenes), and polyketides (usnic acid, diffractaic acid, lecanoric acid, atranorin, glycosides, proto-lichesterinic acid, azolitmin, spaniolitmin, orcin, salazinic acid, tridecyl myristate). Nutritionally they also contain polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals and many others which possess many positive effects on health. Phenolic compounds present in these lichens possess anti-tyrosinase activity and slow down the process of melanin synthesis. Lichens are contributors to the treatment of wounds, elevated blood glucose, elevated blood pressure, immunity boosting, killing microbes, certain infections caused by bacteria and viruses like tuberculosis, gastrointestinal tract problems, regulating normal breath, dilating airways and blood vessels to reduce pressure. Lichens contain compounds that reduce oxidative stress in the body caused by free radicals and lower the risk of mental problems, cell proliferation, cardiovascular diseases, diarrhea, and skin problems. Lichens are essential for the cure of renal diseases, uric acid and inflammation of joints and bronchi.
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