Phytother Res. 2003 Apr; 17(4): 399-400.

Parmelia cirrhatum: a potential source of broad spectrum natural antifungal.

Shahi SK, Patra M, Dikshit A, Upreti DK.

Botany Department, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, India.

During antifungal screening of some plants, the water extract of lichen, Parmelia cirrhatum was found to be most effective against tested pathogenic fungi at the range of 60-80 microL/mL concentrations. The extract showed heavy doses of inoculum potential at 80 microL/mL and the antifungal activity of the extract did not expire up to 24 months of storage. The extract did not showed any irritation on mammalian skin up to 10% concentration. Thus, the water extract of Parmelia cirrhatum can be used a potential source of natural antifungal against fungal infections.Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.