Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial potential of some foliose lichens from Pir Panjal range of Jammu & Kashmir, India

Lichens are a good example of a symbiotic relationship between a phycobiont and a mycobiont, or fungal companion. Despite being considered as environmental pioneers, they are the commercial source of food, medicine, colours, and fodder. Their potential has only recently come to light, and the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries are now using them. Around the world, several lichen extracts have been investigated for their potential as antibacterial agents. Thus, the goal of this study is to investigate foliose lichens from different habitats in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas and determine whether or not they may be bioprospected. Seven of the several lichens that were screened were as follows: Dermatocarpon vellereum Zschacke, Punctelia borreri (Sm) Krog, Dermatocarpon miniatum (L.) W. Mann, Phaeophyscia hispidula (Ach) Moberg, Peltigera canina (L.) Willd, Physcia dilitata Nyl and Sticta sp., demonstrated notable antibacterial efficacy against three human pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli (EC 25922), Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 700603), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33591).To ascertain the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, steroids, reducing sugar, anthocyanin, xanthoproteins, carotenoids, phenols, and volatile oils among the screened species of lichens, qualitative tests were carried out in addition to quantitative analysis. The secondary metabolites derived from lichens have additional uses that can benefit society.