Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Usnea barbata Dry Extracts in Different Solvents

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Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Usnea barbata Dry Extracts in Different Solvents

Abstract: Lichens represent a significant source of antioxidants due to numerous metabolites that can reduce free radicals. Usnea barbata has been recognized and used since ancient times for its therapeutic effects, some of which are based on its antioxidant properties. The present study aims to analyze the phytochemical profile and to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of this lichen species. Five dry extracts of U. barbata in different solvents (acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, water) were prepared by refluxing at Soxhlet to achieve these proposed objectives and to identify which solvent is the most effective for the extraction. The usnic acid content was quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. The total polyphenols content and tannins content were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and the total polysaccharides were extracted by a gravimetric method. The two, two-diphenyl-one-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical method was used to assess the antioxidant activity and the Brine Shrimp Lethality assay was the biotest for cytotoxic activity evaluation. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest usnic acid content, and acetone extract had the highest content of total polyphenols and tannins. The most significant antioxidant effect was reported to methanol extract, and all the extracts proved high cytotoxicity. The water extract has the lowest cytotoxicity because usnic acid is slightly soluble in this solvent, and it was not found at ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis. All extracts recorded a moderate correlation between the content of usnic acid, polyphenols, tannins, and antioxidant activity; furthermore, it has been observed that the cytotoxicity varies inversely with the antioxidant effect.

One. Introduction

Two. Results

Two point one point one. Lichen Extraction Yield

Two point one point two. Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Determination of the Usnic Acid Content

Two point one point four. Determination of the Tannins Content

Two point one point five. Determination of the Total Polysaccharides Content

Two point two. Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity

Two point three. Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity by Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay

Three. Discussion

Four. Materials and Methods

Four point two. UHPLC Determination of the Usnic Acid Content

Four point three. Determination of the Total Polyphenols Content

Four point four. Determination of the Tannins Content

Four point five. Determination of the Polysaccharides Content

Four point six. Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity

Four point seven. Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity by Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay

Five. Conclusions

Overview

The document analyzes the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of Usnea barbata dry extracts prepared with various solvents, highlighting their phytochemical composition and biological activities. The research aims to identify the most effective solvent for extraction and correlates these findings with the extracts' medicinal properties.

Key Points

1Usnea barbata serves as a significant source of antioxidants and has therapeutic effects
2Different solvents yield varying concentrations of usnic acid, polyphenols, and tannins
3The methanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while all extracts demonstrated high cytotoxicity
4A moderate correlation exists between phytochemical content and antioxidant activity
5The study provides insights into the use of Usnea barbata in medicinal applications.

Details

Authors: Violeta Popovici, Laura Bucur, Antoanela Popescu, Verginica Schröder, Teodor Costache, Dan Rambu, Iulia Elena Cucolea, Cerasela Elena Gîrd, Aureliana Caraiane, Daniela Gherghel, Gabriela Vochita, Victoria Badea
Category: Biology and Natural Sciences

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