Contribution to the knowledge of the chemical composition, biological activities and activity concentration of 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th of the lichen Evernia prunastri

Abstract

This study reports the effect of an acetone extract of Evernia prunastri on the micronucleus distribution of human lymphocytes and effect on cholinesterase activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity (estimated via DPPH, ABTS, TRP and CUPRAC assays), as well as total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antibacterial activity (against two Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria) were determined. Chemical profiling of four E. prunastri extracts (acetone, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane) was realized by GC–MS and HPLC analysis. In addition, the activity concentrations of 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th were established.

Keywords

• radionuclides
• micronucleus test
• cholinesterase test
• antioxidant assays
• antibacterial assay