ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗРАБОТКИ НОВЫХ ОРИГИНАЛЬНЫХ АНТИСЕПТИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ НА ОСНОВЕ УСНИНОВОЙ КИСЛОТЫ

Abstract

Introduction. Environment changing not least because of human activities determines the appearance of modified microorganisms. Many pathogens have enhanced their pathogenic properties. Their increasing drug resistance represents quite a serious problem. Among potentially efficient antiseptic substances, usnic acid and its derivatives are greatly emphasized on. Aim of our study was to conduct a narrative review of the prospects for the practical (pharmaceutical) use of usnic acid as an antiseptic. Research Materials. To perform the literature analysis, we used sources from international databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, as well as from the domestic library system, eLibrary. Results. Usnic acid is found in large amounts in various lichen species. It has quite a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action. Its anti-inflammatory effects and enhancement of tissue regeneration wasproven both experimentally and clinically. The operation of usnic acid and its derivatives is determined by inhibiting the synthesis of ribonucleic acid and breaking the deoxyribonucleic acid replication. Moreover, it has a cytotoxic effect and destroys the membranes of microorganisms. In pharmaceutical industry, usnic acid is produced in many forms, such as powders, capsules, antiseptic gels, creams, and protective tapes. They are used in combined treatment of infectious diseases, in general therapy, in post-burn wound healing procedures, and in dentistry. We have concluded that lichens are very promising as raw materials for isolating usnic acid. It is necessary to search for new highly efficient methods to manufacture and use it in various farmaceutical forms.