Antidermatophytic Activity of the Fruticose Lichen Usnea orientalis.

In the present study, the new biological sources in the form of lichen Motyka was screened for its antidermatophytic potential. Six species of dermatophytes were chosen on the basis of their prevalence for antidermatophytic assays, and the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI)-recommended broth microdilution procedure was used to detect the efficacy of extract against dermatophytes. Thin layer chromatography of lichen extracts reveals the presence of two secondary metabolites viz. salazinic acid and usnic acid. extract exhibited promising antidermatophytic activity against all tested pathogens. Amongst all tested pathogens, exhibited most susceptibility towards extract, whereas exhibited the least susceptibility. Topical application of extract might be helpful in the cure of dermal infections.