China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (1): 400-410.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2025.01.036

• Basic Veterinary Medicine • Previous Articles    

Research Progress on the Antibacterial Activity of Usnic Acid and Its Development and Utilization

CHEN Chunhong1,2, SHEN Junye3, DAI Chongshan1,2, TANG Shusheng1,2   

  1. 1. National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
    2. Sanya Research Institute, China Agricultural University, Sanya 572024, China;
    3. Powertas School Beijing Campus, Beijing 100193, China
  • Received:2024-05-14 Published:2024-12-30

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance is a global public health issue that seriously threatens the health of animals and humans.Prevalence of antibiotic resistance in animals is particularly prominent in China,posing a serious threat to the safety of aquaculture.It is urgent to develop new natural and efficient antibacterial drugs or alternative antibiotics.Usnic acid,also known as lichen acid,is one of the main active ingredients in plant extracts such as Pineapple and Litmus.Usnic acid has been widely studied and it has been demonstrated to have various pharmacological activities,including antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,antiviral,anti-tuberculosis,anti-parasitic,analgesic,and antipyretic properties.It has been reported that usnic acid has good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.The potential mechanisms may involve the inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis,interference with efflux pumps,disruption of cell membrane integrity,disruption of bacterial metabolic homeostasis,and inhibition of biofilm formation.Usnic acid is considered as a potent antibacterial adjuvant based on its synergy effect with several clinical antibiotics such as polymyxin to overcome antibiotic resistance.Usnic acid is reported to have the poor solubility and toxicity issues,which limits its application.The author reviewed the antibacterial activity,mechanism of action,potential toxicity,and research progress on nanomaterials of usnic acid,following to offer the theoretical basis for its further development and utilization.

Key words: usnic acid; antibacterial activity; antibacterial mechanism; nano delivery system

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