Studies on the Antitumor Action Mechanisms of Usnea barbata (L.) F.H.Wigg from Romania

Abstract

Our previous studies it has been shown that the Usnea barbata (L.) extract has antitumor effect and also we tried to elucidate the mechanisms of the cancer cells death. Given the fact that proteins are fundamental elements for maintaining life, it is estimated that the decrease in the amount of total protein leads to cell death. The working hypothesis of our study is that different concentrations of Usnea barbata (L.) extract induces death of tumor cells through this mechanism. Analysis of obtained results, showed that at the concentration of 100 µg / mL lichen extract, the amount of soluble proteins is similar to the value recorded in the control. In contrast, at the maximum dose tested (400 µg / ml), the protein content decreased significantly, being almost 3 times lower compared to the control, thus proving the cytotoxic effect of the tested Usnea barbata (L.) extract.

Keywords

• usnea barbata (l.)
• antitumor potential
• cal27 tumor cells
• proteins