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Wang H, Xuan M, Huang C, Wang C. Advances in Research on Bioactivity, Toxicity, Metabolism, and Pharmacokinetics of Usnic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules 2022; 27:7469. [PMID: 36364296 PMCID: PMC9657990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are among the most widely distributed plants on earth and have the longest growth cycle. Usnic acid is an abundant characteristic secondary metabolite of lichens and the earliest lichen compound used commercially. It has diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects, and promotes wound healing. It is widely used in dietary supplements, daily chemical products (fodder, dyes, food, perfumery, and cosmetics), and medicine. However, some studies have found that usnic acid can cause allergic dermatitis and drug-induced liver injury. In this paper, the bioactivity, toxicity, in vivo and in vitro metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of usnic acid were summarized. The aims were to develop and utilize usnic acid and provide reference for its future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 230 Baoding Road, Shanghai 200082, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, 84 Fengshan Road, Qingdao 266121, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Popovici V, Matei E, Cozaru GC, Bucur L, Gîrd CE, Schröder V, Ozon EA, Karampelas O, Musuc AM, Atkinson I, Rusu A, Petrescu S, Mitran RA, Anastasescu M, Caraiane A, Lupuliasa D, Aschie M, Badea V. Evaluation of Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg Extract in Canola Oil Loaded in Bioadhesive Oral Films for Potential Applications in Oral Cavity Infections and Malignancy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081601. [PMID: 36009320 PMCID: PMC9404812 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnea lichens are known for their beneficial pharmacological effects with potential applications in oral medicine. This study aims to investigate the extract of Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg from the Călimani Mountains in canola oil as an oral pharmaceutical formulation. In the present work, bioadhesive oral films (F-UBO) with U. barbata extract in canola oil (UBO) were formulated, characterized, and evaluated, evidencing their pharmacological potential. The UBO-loaded films were analyzed using standard methods regarding physicochemical and pharmacotechnical characteristics to verify their suitability for topical administration on the oral mucosa. F-UBO suitability confirmation allowed for the investigation of antimicrobial and anticancer potential. The antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27353, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 were evaluated by a resazurin-based 96-well plate microdilution method. The brine shrimp lethality assay (BSL assay) was the animal model cytotoxicity prescreen, followed by flow cytometry analyses on normal blood cells and oral epithelial squamous cell carcinoma CLS-354 cell line, determining cellular apoptosis, caspase-3/7 activity, nuclear condensation and lysosomal activity, oxidative stress, cell cycle, and cell proliferation. The results indicate that a UBO-loaded bioadhesive film’s weight is 63 ± 1.79 mg. It contains 315 µg UBO, has a pH = 6.97 ± 0.01, a disintegration time of 124 ± 3.67 s, and a bioadhesion time of 86 ± 4.12 min, being suitable for topical administration on the oral mucosa. F-UBO showed moderate dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the growth of both bacterial and fungal strains. Moreover, in CLS-354 tumor cells, F-UBO increased oxidative stress, diminished DNA synthesis, and induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1. All these properties led to considering UBO-loaded bioadhesive oral films as a suitable phytotherapeutic formulation with potential application in oral infections and neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Popovici
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
| | - Elena Matei
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, Ovidius University of Constanta, CEDMOG, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Georgeta Camelia Cozaru
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, Ovidius University of Constanta, CEDMOG, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Laura Bucur
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 6 Capitan Al. Serbanescu Street, 900001 Constanta, Romania
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Verginica Schröder
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 6 Capitan Al. Serbanescu Street, 900001 Constanta, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Emma Adriana Ozon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Oana Karampelas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Adina Magdalena Musuc
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Irina Atkinson
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Rusu
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Petrescu
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raul-Augustin Mitran
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Anastasescu
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aureliana Caraiane
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
| | - Dumitru Lupuliasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Aschie
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, Ovidius University of Constanta, CEDMOG, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Victoria Badea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
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The Natural Compound Hydrophobic Usnic Acid and Hydrophilic Potassium Usnate Derivative: Applications and Comparisons. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195995. [PMID: 34641539 PMCID: PMC8512202 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid is the best-studied lichen metabolite, presenting several biological activities, such as antibacterial, immunostimulating, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic agents; despite these relevant properties, it is a hydrophobic and toxic molecule. In this context, scientific research has driven the development of innovative alternatives, considering usnic acid as a source of raw material in obtaining new molecules, allowing structural modifications (syntheses) from it. The purpose is to optimize biological activities and toxicity, with less concentration and/or response time. This work presents a literature review with an analogy of the hydrophobic molecule of usnic acid with its hydrophilic derivative of potassium usnate, emphasizing the elucidation and structural characteristics, biological activities, and toxicological aspects of both molecules, and the advantages of using the promising derivative hydrophilic in different in vitro and in vivo assays when compared to usnic acid.
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Usnic acid potassium salt from Cladonia substellata (Lichen): Synthesis, cytotoxicity and in vitro anthelmintic activity and ultrastructural analysis against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2019; 192:1-10. [PMID: 30571934 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We report for the first time the in vitro effect of Potassium Salt, derived from Usnic Acid (PS-UA), isolated from the lichen Cladonia substellata Vanio, on couples of Schistosoma mansoni. As schistosomicide parameters, we evaluated mortality, motility, cell viability of the worms and tegument changes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exposure to a concentration of 100 μM caused 75% mortality after 3 h. After 6 h, changes in motility in concentrations of 50 and 25 μM are evidenced. After 12 h and 24h, the concentrations of 50 and 100 μM caused 6.25% and 87.5% and 50% and 100% mortality, respectively. PS-UA reduced the cell viability of the worms by 27.36% and 52.82% at concentrations 50 and 100 μM, respectively. Through SEM we observed progressive dose-and time-dependent, alterations such as swelling, blisters, dorsoventral contraction, erosion until disintegration of the tubercles in the tegument of male and female. PS-UA did not alter the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and showed high selectivity indices (IC50 > 200 μM). Our results indicate that PS-UA represents a possible candidate for a new anthelmintic drug in the control of schistosomiasis.
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Luzina OA, Salakhutdinov NF. Biological activity of usnic acid and its derivatives: Part 2. effects on higher organisms. Molecular and physicochemical aspects. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Araújo AAS, de Melo MGD, Rabelo TK, Nunes PS, Santos SL, Serafini MR, Santos MRV, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Gelain DP. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:2167-80. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1007455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Joseph A, Lee T, Moland CL, Branham WS, Fuscoe JC, Leakey JEA, Allaben WT, Lewis SM, Ali AA, Desai VG. Effect of (+)-usnic acid on mitochondrial functions as measured by mitochondria-specific oligonucleotide microarray in liver of B6C3F1 mice. Mitochondrion 2009; 9:149-58. [PMID: 19460291 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 01/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid is a lichen metabolite used as a weight-loss dietary supplement due to its uncoupling action on mitochondria. However, its use has been associated with severe liver disorders in some individuals. Animal studies conducted thus far evaluated the effects of usnic acid on mitochondria primarily by measuring the rate of oxygen consumption and/or ATP generation. To obtain further insight into usnic acid-mediated effects on mitochondria, we examined the expression levels of 542 genes associated with mitochondrial structure and functions in liver of B6C3F(1) female mice using a mitochondria-specific microarray. Beginning at 8 weeks of age, mice received usnic acid at 0, 60, 180, and 600 ppm in ground, irradiated 5LG6 diet for 14 days. Microarray analysis showed a significant effect of usnic acid on the expression of several genes only at the highest dose of 600 ppm. A prominent finding of the study was a significant induction of genes associated with complexes I through IV of the electron transport chain. Moreover, several genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, the Krebs cycle, apoptosis, and membrane transporters were over-expressed. Usnic acid is a lipophilic weak acid that can diffuse through mitochondrial membranes and cause a proton leak (uncoupling). The up-regulation of complexes I-IV may be a compensatory mechanism to maintain the proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane. In addition, induction of fatty acid oxidation and the Krebs cycle may be an adaptive response to uncoupling of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Joseph
- University of Abertay Dundee, DD1 1HG Dundee, UK
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Foti RS, Dickmann LJ, Davis JA, Greene RJ, Hill JJ, Howard ML, Pearson JT, Rock DA, Tay JC, Wahlstrom JL, Slatter JG. Metabolism and related human risk factors for hepatic damage by usnic acid containing nutritional supplements. Xenobiotica 2008; 38:264-80. [PMID: 18274956 DOI: 10.1080/00498250701802514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Usnic acid is a component of nutritional supplements promoted for weight loss that have been associated with liver-related adverse events including mild hepatic toxicity, chemical hepatitis, and liver failure requiring transplant. To determine if metabolism factors might have had a role in defining individual susceptibility to hepatotoxicity, in vitro metabolism studies were undertaken using human plasma, hepatocytes, and liver subcellular fractions. Usnic acid was metabolized to form three monohydroxylated metabolites and two regio-isomeric glucuronide conjugates of the parent drug. Oxidative metabolism was mainly by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and glucuronidation was carried out by uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 and UGT1A3. In human hepatocytes, usnic acid at 20 microM was not an inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4 relative to positive controls omeprazole, phenobarbital, and rifampicin, respectively. Usnic acid was a relatively weak inhibitor of CYP2D6 and a potent inhibitor of CYP2C19 (the concentration eliciting 50% inhibition (IC(50)) = 9 nM) and CYP2C9 (IC(50) = 94 nM), with less potent inhibition of CYP2C8 (IC(50) = 1.9 microM) and CYP2C18 (IC(50) = 6.3 microM). Pre-incubation of microsomes with usnic acid did not afford any evidence of time-dependent inhibition of CYP2C19, although evidence of slight time-dependent inhibition of CYP2C9 (K(I) = 2.79 microM and K(inact) = 0.022 min(-1)) was obtained. In vitro data were used with SimCYP(R)to model potential drug interactions. Based on usnic acid doses in case reports of 450 mg to >1 g day(-1), these in vitro data indicate that usnic acid has significant potential to interact with other medications. Individual characteristics such as CYP1A induction status, co-administration of CYP1A2 inhibitors, UGT1A1 polymorphisms, and related hyperbilirubinaemias, or co-administration of low therapeutic index CYP2C substrates could work alone or in consort with other idiosyncrasy risk factors to increase the risk of adverse events and/or hepatotoxicity. Thus, usnic acid in nutritional supplements might be involved as both victim and/or perpetrator in clinically significant drug-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Foti
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Group, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
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Guo L, Shi Q, Fang JL, Mei N, Ali AA, Lewis SM, Leakey JEA, Frankos VH. Review of usnic acid and Usnea barbata toxicity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2008; 26:317-38. [PMID: 19034791 PMCID: PMC5739313 DOI: 10.1080/10590500802533392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Usnic acid is a prominent secondary lichen metabolite that has been used for various purposes worldwide. Crude extracts of usnic acid or pure usnic acid have been marketed in the United States as dietary supplements to aid in weight loss. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received 21 reports of liver toxicity related to the ingestion of dietary supplements that contain usnic acid. This prompted the FDA to issue a warning about one such supplement, LipoKinetix, in 2001 (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-lipo.html). Subsequently, usnic acid and Usnea barbata lichen were nominated by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for toxicity evaluations. At present, a toxicological evaluation of usnic acid is being conducted by the NTP. This review focuses on the recent findings of usnic acid-induced toxicities and their underlying mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, USA.
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Guillet G, Dagregorio G, Guillet MH. [Vulvar contact dermatitis due to seminal allergy: 3 cases]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2005; 132:123-5. [PMID: 15798560 DOI: 10.1016/s0151-9638(05)79221-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contact sensitivity deserves to be assessed in acute vulvitis as well as chronic vulvar dermatitis with a specific orientation toward semen allergy whenever the pathology is post-coital. OBSERVATIONS Three observations of semen allergy are reported. Two women presented with post-coital vulvitis due to delayed hypersensitivity to semen proteins without associated specific IgE. The type 2 allergy was confirmed by positive patch-tests and disappearance of symptoms when using condoms. Another woman presented with oedematous vulvitis associated with asthma and malaise per and post-sexual intercourse. Positive prick-tests with husband's semen and blood tests for specific IgE led to the diagnosis of type 1 hypersensitivity to semen, with disappearance of both vulvar and systemic symptoms with the use of condoms. DISCUSSION Immediate or delayed type hypersensitivity may be discovered using prick and patch tests respectively. The observation of vulvitis or vulvar discomfort should promote such investigations, whenever a post-coital chronology is suggested. The good clinical pertinence of positive skin tests must be emphasized. Although type I hypersensitivity to semen is documented in the literature, with easy detection of specific IgE, delayed type 2 allergy presents as an as yet under-diagnosed etiology of post-coital vulvitis. Patch tests may help to confirm that contact dermatitis may be due to seminal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Guillet
- Service de Dermatologie Allergologie, CHU Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
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Guillet G, Dagregorio G. Seminal fluid as a missed allergen in vulvar allergic contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2004; 50:318-20. [PMID: 15209818 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.00341f.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Guillet
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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