The Lichen Substances of Ramalina hossei Vain. with Their Anthelmintic and Antibacterial Studies

Lichens are well known for their peculiar, crystalline aromatic constituents that accumulate on the
thallus. Lichen compounds are also known to show some biological activities against microorganisms.
The present paper describes the extraction and antibacterial activity of various solvent extracts of
lichen Ramalina hossei Vain. (Ramalinaceae), against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
The dried and powdered lichen material was extracted with solvents namely methanol, chloroform and
petroleum ether and the solvent extracts were subjected to antibacterial activity using Kirby Bauer
method. Chemical tests revealed the presence of Usnic acid and sekikaic acid aggregates. The
extracts were found to possess more activity against Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative
bacteria. Among solvent extracts, methanol extract showed more inhibition of test bacteria than
others. From the results, it could be concluded that the lichen selected for the study possess active
antimicrobial principles. The results are in justification with the folkloric uses of lichen extracts.