Lichens, symbiontic organisms of fungi and algae, synthesize numerous metabolites, the "lichen substances," which comprise aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and terpenic compounds. Lichens and their metabolites have a manifold biological activity: antiviral, antibiotic, antitumor, allergenic, plant growth inhibitory, antiherbivore, and enzyme inhibitory. Usnic acid, a very active lichen substance is used in pharmaceutical preparations. Large amounts of Pseudevernia furfuracea and Evernia prunastri are processed in the perfume industry, and some lichens are sensitive reagents for the evaluation of air pollution.
Secondary metabolites from Lichen, mainly phenolic compounds, have been analysed and identified using high performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector. Components of lichen thalli were detected by characteristic ultraviolet spectra and relative retention times. Some new minor components have been found in several lichens.
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