Anti-angiogenic and antiproliferative properties of the lichen substances (-)-usnic acid and vulpinic acid

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci. 2015;70(5-6):159-64. doi: 10.1515/znc-2014-4178.

Abstract

The anti-proliferative activities of the lichen substances (-)-usnic acid and vulpinic acid on the viability of HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, NS20Y neuroblastoma cells and HUVEC endothelial cells were studied by the MTT assay. The anti-angiogenic potential of the substances was determined by the endothelial tube formation assay. Both lichen substances exhibited strong anti-angiogenic activity and were more cytotoxic to the cancer cell lines than to the normal cell line, but vulpinic acid has more potential as an anti-angiogenic substance because of its low cytotoxicity and stronger anti-angiogenic activity on the HUVEC cell line.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / isolation & purification
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Benzofurans / isolation & purification
  • Benzofurans / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Furans / isolation & purification
  • Furans / pharmacology*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Lichens / chemistry*
  • Phenylacetates / isolation & purification
  • Phenylacetates / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Benzofurans
  • Furans
  • Phenylacetates
  • usnic acid
  • vulpinic acid