Exploring Lichen-Fungi Biosynthetic Pathways: Evaluating thePharmacological Activity of Olivetoric Acid and Biosynthetically SimilarMetabolites

Lichens, symbiotic organisms, produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including depsides and depsidones. These compounds exhibit potent biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This review explores the biosynthesis of specific compounds, focusing on the role of polyketide synthases and cytochrome P450 enzymes. The majority of the review will focus on the pharmacological potential of olive-toric acid and biosynthetically similar compounds, highlighting their potential as future drug leads. Further research is needed to exploit the therapeutic potential of these natural products fully.