Article: ASSESSMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTION OF USNEA GHATTENSIS AND USNEA UNDULATA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.110115

Pages: 75-77

Author: Archana Ramachandra Mesta *, Rajeswari N and Vinayaka Shankarnarayana Kanivebagilu

Abstract: The fungal partner of lichens produces a great variety of biologically active metabolites such as antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and many others. Antimicrobial is a substance which either inhibits the growth of micro-organism or kills the microbes. The pathogenic microorganisms causing number of diseases in plants and animals have developed resistance against many commonly available chemicals and antibiotics. Lichens are the combination of two life forms algae and fungi. A large number of lichens are known for the source of important secondary metabolites. The present study aims at the antimicrobial properties of two species of Usnea belonging to the largest family Parmeliaceae. The antibacterial activity of two species of Usnea was tested against six organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniaee, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Vibrio choleraee, Bacillus coagulans. Both species of Usnea had shown inhibitory activity against all pathogen but to different extent. These two species of Usnea are found in large quantity in Mullayangiri of Karnataka and these two species can be used sustainably in the preparation of antimicrobials.

Keyword: Usnea, antimicrobial, pathogen, Parmeliaceae