Usnic acid

Usnic acid is a secondary metabolite of lichens with a unique dibenzofuran skeleton. Usnic acid inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis and has antibacterial activity. Usnic acid induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and has anticancer activity. Usnic acid inhibits RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation and function by reducing the transcriptional and translational expression of NFATc1. Usnic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase[1][2][3][4].

Product Specifications

CAS Number

[125-46-2]

UNSPSC

12352005

Hazard Statement

H302, H315, H319, H335

Target

Apoptosis; Bacterial; DNA/RNA Synthesis; Nuclear Factor of activated T Cells (NFAT)

Type

Natural Products

Related Pathways

Anti-infection; Apoptosis; Cell Cycle/DNA Damage; Immunology/Inflammation

Applications

COVID-19-immunoregulation

Field of Research

Cancer; Infection; Inflammation/Immunology

Assay Protocol

https://www.medchemexpress.com/usnic-acid-1.html

Purity

98.90

Solubility

DMSO : 3.33 mg/mL (ultrasonic; warming; heat to 60°C)

Smiles

O=C(C1(C)C(OC2=C(C(C)=O)C(O)=C(C)C(O)=C12)=C3)C(C(C)=O)C3=O

Molecular Formula

C18H16O7

Molecular Weight

344.32

Precautions

H302, H315, H319, H335

References & Citations

[1]Maciąg-Dorszyńska M, et al. Antibacterial activity of lichen secondary metabolite usnic acid is primarily caused by inhibition of RNA and DNA synthesis. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2014 Apr;353 (1) :57-62.|[2]Singh N, et al. Usnic acid inhibits growth and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Nutr Cancer. 2013;65 Suppl 1:36-43.|[3]Odabasoglu F, et al. Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of usnic acid on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 3;103 (1) :59-65.|[4]Kim KJ, et al. Effect of Usnic Acid on Osteoclastogenic Activity. J Clin Med. 2018 Oct 12;7 (10) :345.