Phytochemical
analysis of Corticolous macrolichens and their substrates: assessing habitat specificity
in Madhyamaheshwar Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand
Prabhakar Nitin Kant, Mehta Jagat Prakash, Singh Sachin, Patil Anjali and Arya Mamta
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(7); 56-68;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/207rjbt056068; (2025)
Abstract
This study investigates the phytochemical composition of five corticolous macrolichen
species (Hypotrachyna nepalensis, Parmotrema tinctorum, Ramalina conduplicans, Dolichousnea
longissima and Usnea orientalis) and their associated bark substrates (Berberis
jaeschkeana, Betula utilis, Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron campanulatum and
Sorbus foliolosa) in Madhyamaheshwar valley. Phytochemical analysis using various
solvent extracts (chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol) revealed distinct
chemical profiles for each species. Parmotrema tinctorum exhibited a wide range
of compounds including flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, phenols and terpenoids
while saponins were commonly present in ethanolic extracts of most lichens.
No alkaloids or steroids were detected in any of the lichen samples and terpenoids
were absent in Hypotrachyna nepalensis and Usnea orientalis. Bark extracts from
Berberis jaeschkeana showed the highest chemical diversity including flavonoids,
glycosides, saponins, tannins, phenols and terpenoids while other bark substrates
contained glycosides and terpenoids but lacked saponins in some cases. The study
confirms that Corticolous macrolichens do not derive nutrients from their bark substrates,
relying instead on environmental photosynthesis for sustenance. These findings underscore
the role of environmental and physiographic conditions in supporting lichen diversity,
highlighting their habitat preference for attachment and stability rather than chemical
nourishment.
