Fig 1 - uploaded by Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Content may be subject to copyright.
Usnea amblyoclada. A (Rodriguez 1801, herb. Estrabou); B, C y D (Rodriguez 413, herb. Estrabou). A: Talo (escala 5 mm). B: Tronco con grietas anulares (escala 0,4 mm). C: Ramas terminales y fibrilas en la porción distal del talo con ápices negros (escala 0,3 mm). D: Soralios (escala 0,1 mm). podría ser el par sexuado de U. amblyoclada. Sin embargo, U. hieronymi posee papilas, las fibrilas no son espinulosas y la médula es mucho más delgada. Clerc (2004) propone a Usnea shimadai Asahina como la especie fértil de U. amblyoclada. A su vez U. shimadai presenta características similares a Usnea densirostra Taylor, especie muy abundante en los sistemas de Ventania y Tandilia. Es necesario incrementar el estudio sistemático de las especies mencionadas para reconocer la amplitud de los caracteres y el rango de distribución en estos taxones.
Source publication
El líquen fruticuloso Usnea amblyoclada es uno de los líquenes saxícolas más abundantes en Argentina. Es utilizado en medicina popular y como biomarcador de calidad de aire. Se describe y discute la morfología, anatomía y química de Usnea amblyoclada en Argentina. Se amplia el rango de distribución de la especie y del género.The fruticolous lichen...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... amblyoclada (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr. (Fig. 1 Talo arbustivo y erecto ( Fig. 1 A), a veces subpéndulo, hasta 8 cm de longitud, verde amarillento a verde grisáceo, ramificación isotómica o anisotómica; tronco inconspicuo o desarrollado hasta 5 mm, más pálido, concoloro o más oscuro que las ramas, con grietas anulares ( Fig. 1 B); ramas cilíndricas a irregulares, ramas laterales no ...
Context 2
... Zahlbr. (Fig. 1 Talo arbustivo y erecto ( Fig. 1 A), a veces subpéndulo, hasta 8 cm de longitud, verde amarillento a verde grisáceo, ramificación isotómica o anisotómica; tronco inconspicuo o desarrollado hasta 5 mm, más pálido, concoloro o más oscuro que las ramas, con grietas anulares ( Fig. 1 B); ramas cilíndricas a irregulares, ramas laterales no constrictas a marcadamente constrictas en el punto de ramificación; sección transversal circular, irregular a acanalada; ramas terminales constrictas en la base y ahusadas en la porción terminal ( Fig. 1 C); foveolas y depresiones ausentes o presentes; papilas y tubérculos ausentes; fibrilas siempre presentes, espinulosas, dejando fibérculos al caerse ( Fig. 1-C); ramas terminales, fibrilas e isidiomorfos frecuentemente con puntas negras; soralios punctiformes, levemente tuberculados, originados desde fibérculos, más pequeños que la mitad del diámetro de la rama, no confluentes ( Fig. 1 D); isidiomorfos originados desde soralios; apotecios raros, cuando presentes hasta 3 mm de diámetro, subterminales o terminales, con escasas fibrilas marginales; ascósporas hialinas, simples , 10-6 x 6-3 μm (promedio 7,3 x 4,3 μm). ...
Context 3
... Zahlbr. (Fig. 1 Talo arbustivo y erecto ( Fig. 1 A), a veces subpéndulo, hasta 8 cm de longitud, verde amarillento a verde grisáceo, ramificación isotómica o anisotómica; tronco inconspicuo o desarrollado hasta 5 mm, más pálido, concoloro o más oscuro que las ramas, con grietas anulares ( Fig. 1 B); ramas cilíndricas a irregulares, ramas laterales no constrictas a marcadamente constrictas en el punto de ramificación; sección transversal circular, irregular a acanalada; ramas terminales constrictas en la base y ahusadas en la porción terminal ( Fig. 1 C); foveolas y depresiones ausentes o presentes; papilas y tubérculos ausentes; fibrilas siempre presentes, espinulosas, dejando fibérculos al caerse ( Fig. 1-C); ramas terminales, fibrilas e isidiomorfos frecuentemente con puntas negras; soralios punctiformes, levemente tuberculados, originados desde fibérculos, más pequeños que la mitad del diámetro de la rama, no confluentes ( Fig. 1 D); isidiomorfos originados desde soralios; apotecios raros, cuando presentes hasta 3 mm de diámetro, subterminales o terminales, con escasas fibrilas marginales; ascósporas hialinas, simples , 10-6 x 6-3 μm (promedio 7,3 x 4,3 μm). ...
Context 4
... Zahlbr. (Fig. 1 Talo arbustivo y erecto ( Fig. 1 A), a veces subpéndulo, hasta 8 cm de longitud, verde amarillento a verde grisáceo, ramificación isotómica o anisotómica; tronco inconspicuo o desarrollado hasta 5 mm, más pálido, concoloro o más oscuro que las ramas, con grietas anulares ( Fig. 1 B); ramas cilíndricas a irregulares, ramas laterales no constrictas a marcadamente constrictas en el punto de ramificación; sección transversal circular, irregular a acanalada; ramas terminales constrictas en la base y ahusadas en la porción terminal ( Fig. 1 C); foveolas y depresiones ausentes o presentes; papilas y tubérculos ausentes; fibrilas siempre presentes, espinulosas, dejando fibérculos al caerse ( Fig. 1-C); ramas terminales, fibrilas e isidiomorfos frecuentemente con puntas negras; soralios punctiformes, levemente tuberculados, originados desde fibérculos, más pequeños que la mitad del diámetro de la rama, no confluentes ( Fig. 1 D); isidiomorfos originados desde soralios; apotecios raros, cuando presentes hasta 3 mm de diámetro, subterminales o terminales, con escasas fibrilas marginales; ascósporas hialinas, simples , 10-6 x 6-3 μm (promedio 7,3 x 4,3 μm). ...
Context 5
... a marcadamente constrictas en el punto de ramificación; sección transversal circular, irregular a acanalada; ramas terminales constrictas en la base y ahusadas en la porción terminal ( Fig. 1 C); foveolas y depresiones ausentes o presentes; papilas y tubérculos ausentes; fibrilas siempre presentes, espinulosas, dejando fibérculos al caerse ( Fig. 1-C); ramas terminales, fibrilas e isidiomorfos frecuentemente con puntas negras; soralios punctiformes, levemente tuberculados, originados desde fibérculos, más pequeños que la mitad del diámetro de la rama, no confluentes ( Fig. 1 D); isidiomorfos originados desde soralios; apotecios raros, cuando presentes hasta 3 mm de diámetro, ...
Context 6
... Zahlbr. (Fig. 1 Talo arbustivo y erecto ( Fig. 1 A), a veces subpéndulo, hasta 8 cm de longitud, verde amarillento a verde grisáceo, ramificación isotómica o anisotómica; tronco inconspicuo o desarrollado hasta 5 mm, más pálido, concoloro o más oscuro que las ramas, con grietas anulares ( Fig. 1 B); ramas cilíndricas a irregulares, ramas laterales no constrictas a marcadamente constrictas en el punto de ramificación; sección transversal circular, irregular a acanalada; ramas terminales constrictas en la base y ahusadas en la porción terminal ( Fig. 1 C); foveolas y depresiones ausentes o presentes; papilas y tubérculos ausentes; fibrilas siempre presentes, espinulosas, dejando fibérculos al caerse ( Fig. 1-C); ramas terminales, fibrilas e isidiomorfos frecuentemente con puntas negras; soralios punctiformes, levemente tuberculados, originados desde fibérculos, más pequeños que la mitad del diámetro de la rama, no confluentes ( Fig. 1 D); isidiomorfos originados desde soralios; apotecios raros, cuando presentes hasta 3 mm de diámetro, subterminales o terminales, con escasas fibrilas marginales; ascósporas hialinas, simples , 10-6 x 6-3 μm (promedio 7,3 x 4,3 μm). ...
Similar publications
A monograph of the crustose members of the lichen genus Lepraria s. str. present in North America north of Mexico is provided. A key to all the crustose members of Lepraria s.l. present in the study area is included, and full descriptions and species accounts are provided for the twenty-six species belonging to the genus in a strict sense. Addition...
The cyanomorph and photosymbiodemes are here reported for the first time for Ricasolia virens (With.) H.H. Blom & Tønsberg comb. nov. (≡ Lobaria virens (With.) J.R. Laundon). The cyanomorph of R. virens is dendriscocauloid. The observed early developmental stages involve (1) a free-living cyanomorph and (2) a photosymbiodeme composed of the cyanomo...
In a survey of the species pertaining to genera of large parmeliae occurring in the coastal areas of the center-south coastal areas of São Paulo State, Brazil, seven species of Parmotrema A. Massal. with pigmented medulla (P. aurantiacoparvum, P. cf. cryptoxanthoides, P. endosulphureum, P. sorediosulphuratum, P. subochraceum and P. sulphuratum) are...
Citations
... Arg.) Zahlbr. is a fruticose lichen species that primarily grows on rocks and is rarely found on bark. In Argentina, this species is known for its expectorant properties and is consumed as an infusion (Rodriguez and Estrabou 2008). The altitudinal range of U. amblyoclada in Central Argentina extends from 900 to 2100 m.a.s.l., with a preference for southern microsites with high inclination (Rodriguez et al. 2017). ...
... Although the results of this study demonstrate that the content of UA decreased at higher elevations, a constant total extract content was evidenced (Fig. 6). In this point, it is evidenced by the effect of the other secondary metabolites that contribute to the total extract content, in addition to UA, in lichen U. amblyoclada (Rodriguez and Estrabou 2008;Rodriguez et al. 2011). ...
Mountain ecosystems offer a unique opportunity to investigate organism responses to different climatic patterns. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the usnic acid (UA) content per mass unit and the total extract yield of Usnea amblyo-clada (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr. would increase in exposed microsites (i.e., northern and flat microsites) and at higher elevations (i.e., 1800 m.a.s.l. and 2100 m.a.s.l.). A total of 27 U. amblyoclada extract samples were analyzed to assess UA concentration and total extraction yield. Generalized linear models revealed a significant difference in UA concentration among elevations (p > 0.01). Tukey's post hoc test indicated that UA concentration was significantly lower at higher elevations (i.e., between 900 and 2100 m.a.s.l.), with no significant differences observed between the 1800 and 900 m.a.s.l. elevations, nor between the 1800 and 2100 m.a.s.l. elevations. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the relationship between UA content, elevation, and temperature in U. amblyoclada. These findings highlight the importance of considering temperature as the primary driver of UA concentration variations in this species, shedding light on the responses of organisms to distinct climatic patterns in mountain ecosystems.
... Arg.) Zahlbr. is a fruticose lichen species that primarily grows on rocks and is rarely found on bark. In Argentina, this species is known for its expectorant properties and is consumed as an infusion (Rodriguez & Estrabou 2008). The altitudinal range of U. amblyoclada in central Argentina extends from 900 to 2100 m.a.s.l., with a preference for southern microsites with high inclination (Rodriguez et al. 2017). ...
... Although the results of this study demonstrate that the content of UA decreased at higher elevations, a constant total extract content was evidenced. In this point, it is evidenced by the effect of the other secondary metabolites that contribute to the total extract content, in addition to UA, in lichen U. amblyoclada (Rodriguez & Estrabou 2008, Rodriguez et al. 2011 Table 2). Also, a signi cant interaction effect was observed between elevation and rock aspect (p = 0.05) ( Table 2). ...
Mountain ecosystems provide an opportunity to investigate how organisms respond to different climatic patterns. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the content of usnic acid (UA) per mass unit and the total extract yield of Usnea amblyoclada (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr. would increase in exposed microsites (i.e., northern and flat microsites) and at higher elevations (i.e., 1800 m.a.s.l. and 2100 m.a.s.l.). A total of 27 U. amblyoclada extract samples were analyzed. Generalized linear models revealed a significant difference in UA concentration among elevations (p > 0.01). Tukey's post-hoc test indicated that UA concentration was significantly lower at higher elevations (i.e., between 900 and 2100 m.a.s.l.), with no significant differences observed between the 1800 m.a.s.l. and 900 m.a.s.l. elevations, nor between the 1800 and 2100 m.a.s.l. elevations. Our results suggest that temperature is the primary driver of UA content in U. amblyoclada, as UA concentration was lower in samples from higher elevations compared to those from lower elevations.
... It is believed that drinking Usnea tea is helpful for delivering the mother's placenta and can also be used as a tea for asthma and catarrh. In Argentina, Usnea amblyoclada (known as "Barba de piedra" or "yerba de la piedra") (Martinez, 2005;Rodriguez and Estrabou 2008) is known in folk medicine as an expectorant or used against influenza whereas Usnea subflorida (Zahlbr.) Motyka as a painkiller (Martinez, 2005). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Usnea sp. is a fruticose thalli lichen with interesting medicinal properties. Since ancient times, Usnea sp. has been used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various diseases. The broad scientific studies on this lichen have proved its multidirectional biological effect, such as antimicrobial activity, which is attributed to its usnic acid content.
Purpose
The main aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the antimicrobial activities of Usnea sp., including the traditional and medicinal uses, and a critical evaluation of the presented data. Also, the mechanism of this type of action will be explained.
Methods
To prepare this manuscript, the information was extracted from scientific databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar), books, and theses. The available scientific information was critically analysed.
Results
Analysis of the scientific literature regarding traditional uses and bioactivity research showed that Usnea sp. extracts exhibit high antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and aquatic oomycetous fungi were the most sensitive Usnea sp. extracts. Moderate activity against Malassezia furfur and dermatophytes was observed, as well. Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi were more frequently resistant to Usnea sp. extracts (included Escherichia coli, Candida sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus sp.). The antiviral activity of Usnea sp. was limited.
Conclusion
The results show that the use of Usnea sp. in traditional medicine can be scientifically documented. Studies show that usnic acid is the active compound present in Usnea sp. extracts. This compound, which has a high antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, exists in large quantities in low-polarity extracts, and low concentration in these of high-polarity. Usnea sp. extracts contain compounds other than usnic acid as well with biological effects. Usnea barbata is a species that has been employed in modern-day cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The information presented in the review can be considered as a source of knowledge about the Usnea sp. It presents research on biological properties reported for different species of Usnea genus and thus can facilitate their use in medicine.
... In South America, saxicolous species seem to be more frequent. Eight species, among them three that were new to science, were reported for Argentina and Uruguay (Rodriguez & Estrabou 2008;Rodriguez et al. 2011). ...
Usnea oreophila A.Gerlach & P.Clerc is described as new to science. This saxicolous species is
characterized by a patchy, reddish, sometimes pale pigment above the jet-black basal pigmentation,
branches with numerous cracks with downturned edges, numerous and sorediate fibercles, a thick and
fistulose central axis, as well as by the production of a complex chemistry with squamatic acid as the main
medullary compound. Usnea oreophila is currently known from high altitude grasslands above 1200
meters elevation above sea level in the states of Minas Gerais, Parana´ and Santa Catarina.
... The Usnea genus (Usneaceae) is represented in Argentina by species known by the common name "barba de piedra" ("stone grass"), among which may be mentioned U. amblyoclada (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr, U. densirostra Taylor, and U. hieronymii Kremp [5]. ...
Several studies report that (+)-usnic acid, a lichen secondary metabolite, inhibits growth of different bacteria and fungi; however, the mechanism of its antimicrobial activity remains unknown. In this study, we explored the ability of usnic acid, obtained from Usnea amblyoclada, as an antibiofilm agent against azole-resistant and azole-sensitive Candida albicans strains by studying the cellular stress and antioxidant response in biofilms. The biofilm inhibitory concentration of usnic acid (4 µg/mL) exhibited a significant biofilm inhibition, 71.08 % for azole-resistant and 87.84 % for azole-sensitive C. albicans strains. Confocal scanning laser microscopy showed that the morphology of mature biofilm was altered (reduced the biomass and thickness) in the presence of usnic acid. The antifungal effect was mediated by an oxidative and nitrosative stress, with a significant accumulation of intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species detected by confocal scanning laser microscopy and by nitro blue tetrazolium, respectively. In fact, azole-resistant and azole-sensitive C. albicans biofilms treated at the biofilm inhibitory concentration of usnic acid presented 30-fold and 10-fold increased reactive oxygen species measurements compared to basal levels, respectively, and important nitric oxide generation, showing 25-fold and 60-fold increased reactive nitrogen intermediates levels with respect to the controls, respectively. Nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defenses were increased in both strains compared to biofilm basal levels as response to the increase of oxidant metabolites. The present study shows for the first time that usnic acid can alter the prooxidant-antioxidant balance, which may be the cause of the irreversible cell damage and lead to cell death. Our results suggest that usnic acid could be an alternative for the treatment of Candida infections, which deserves further investigation.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
... El género Usnea es cosmopolita, se distribuye desde las áreas polares hasta las regiones tropicales y su monofilia ha sido confirmada por métodos filogenéticos moleculares (Ohmura 2012) El metabolito secundario más importante en este líquen es el ácido úsnico, uno de los ácidos liquénicos más comunes. Este ácido presenta actividad antibacterial, antifúngica, antiparasítica y antineoplásica; además, ha sido usado como expectorante (Rodríguez & Estrabou 2008;Lukac 2010). Por otra parte, las especies del género Usnea son consideradas como excelentes biomonitores de contaminación atmosférica, dada su extraordinaria sensibilidad a cambios en la calidad del aire (Rodríguez & Estrabou 2008;Lukac 2010). ...
... Este ácido presenta actividad antibacterial, antifúngica, antiparasítica y antineoplásica; además, ha sido usado como expectorante (Rodríguez & Estrabou 2008;Lukac 2010). Por otra parte, las especies del género Usnea son consideradas como excelentes biomonitores de contaminación atmosférica, dada su extraordinaria sensibilidad a cambios en la calidad del aire (Rodríguez & Estrabou 2008;Lukac 2010). ...
The Peripampasic Arc is a set of low mountains / hills that connects the Andes, as it scatters to the East forming mountainous areas of lower heights in north-eastern Argentina, with the Atlantic coastal range of the Serra do Mar in Brazil. Numerous studies proved its important biogeographic connection for plant and animal phylogenies, but no information of this pattern is known to lichens. The aim of this work is to establish if the dispersion route of the lichenbiota follows the previously known Peripampasic Arc. For this reason, a comparative study of each area regarding its similarities was analyzed, with emphasis on the biota of the Buenos Aires' Sierras. We quantified the similarity and β diversity of 104 saxicolous lichens species. There was a strong similarity between the Sierra de la Ventana and Tandil biota, which in turn is linked to the biotas of Uruguay, the Pampean Sierras and the northwest of Argentina. The lack of subgroups in the Peripampasic Arc implies the arc acts as a functional unit of dispersion, which is the most likely cause for the present lichens' distribution.
Se mencionan por primera vez para el país cuatro especies de Ascomycetes liquenizados: Endocarpon pallidulum, Placidium arboreum, Pyxine astridiana y Usnea michauxii. Se presenta una breve descripción de cada una considerando características morfológicas, anatómicas y químicas. A su vez se amplía la distribución de 68 especies de líquenes en el centro de Argentina.
