Polyporic Acid
Polyporic acid (Fig. 34) extracted from fungus Hapalopilus rutilans decreased
activity of DHOdehase enzyme in rats by 20–30% due to its inhibitory effect.
DHOdehase enzyme catalyzes reaction of pyrimidine de novo synthesis at the
inner mitochondrial membrane. Activity of the human enzyme was not affected
[102]. Another study conducted on rats showed strong inhibitory effect of polyporic
acid; the rats exhibited reduced locomotor activity, hepatorenal failure, and metabolic acidosis [103]. Burton and Cain [104] showed antileukemic activity of polyporic acid isolated from lichen Sticta coronata on mice.
Thelephoric Acid
Thelephoric acid (Fig. 35) from fungus Polyozellus multiplex exhibited inhibitory
effect against prolyl endopeptidase, in which increased level is involved in the
development of Alzheimer’s type senile dementia [105]. Antioxidative properties
were investigated by Chung et al. [106] where results were conclusive for superoxide
anion radical, hydroxyl radical, and DPPH radical. Rao et al. [107] found
theleophoric acid in lichen Lobaria insidiosa from Western Himalayas. This acid
is also found in Thelephora spp. and Hydnum spp.
Pulvinic Acid Derivatives
Pulvinic acid derivatives are lichen secondary products which are derived by the
shikimic acid pathway. Pulvinic acid derivatives are not present in all lichen species
that contain blue-green algae. Nitrogen fixing algae present in some lichens are no
necessary in species, where pulvinic acid pigments were observed.
Fig. 34 Polyporic acid
structure
Fig. 35 Thelephoric acid
structure
202
M. Goga et al.
Polyporic acid (Fig. 34) extracted from fungus Hapalopilus rutilans decreased
activity of DHOdehase enzyme in rats by 20–30% due to its inhibitory effect.
DHOdehase enzyme catalyzes reaction of pyrimidine de novo synthesis at the
inner mitochondrial membrane. Activity of the human enzyme was not affected
[102]. Another study conducted on rats showed strong inhibitory effect of polyporic
acid; the rats exhibited reduced locomotor activity, hepatorenal failure, and metabolic acidosis [103]. Burton and Cain [104] showed antileukemic activity of polyporic acid isolated from lichen Sticta coronata on mice.
Thelephoric Acid
Thelephoric acid (Fig. 35) from fungus Polyozellus multiplex exhibited inhibitory
effect against prolyl endopeptidase, in which increased level is involved in the
development of Alzheimer’s type senile dementia [105]. Antioxidative properties
were investigated by Chung et al. [106] where results were conclusive for superoxide
anion radical, hydroxyl radical, and DPPH radical. Rao et al. [107] found
theleophoric acid in lichen Lobaria insidiosa from Western Himalayas. This acid
is also found in Thelephora spp. and Hydnum spp.
Pulvinic Acid Derivatives
Pulvinic acid derivatives are lichen secondary products which are derived by the
shikimic acid pathway. Pulvinic acid derivatives are not present in all lichen species
that contain blue-green algae. Nitrogen fixing algae present in some lichens are no
necessary in species, where pulvinic acid pigments were observed.
Fig. 34 Polyporic acid
structure
Fig. 35 Thelephoric acid
structure
202
M. Goga et al.