Cell aggregates derived from natural lichen thallus fragments: Antioxidant activities of lichen metabolites developed in vitro

Abstract

Cell aggregates composed of mycobiont and photobiont derived from three lichen species, Arthothelium awasthii, Heterodermia podocarpa and Parmotrema tinctorum, were grown in Lilly-Barnett (LB) and Modified Bold's Basal (MBB) media for one year under laboratory conditions. Results are presented on growth rate, production of barbatic acid, zeorin and lecanoric acid, and the antioxidant potential of extracts prepared with different solvents and of the partially purified substances. The growth rate of the cell aggregates of the three species was found to be more or less similar in the LB and MBB media. The production of lichen substances by the three species was found to vary in both media. The dried, soluble extract yield found from the solvents was in the order of n-hexane > chloroform > ethyl acetate > acetone > methanol > DMSO. The antioxidant activities showed by barbatic acid, zeorin and lecanoric acid was highest at a concentration of 50μg / mL.