PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL AND BIOACTIVE PROFILE OF MEDICINAL LICHEN PARMOTREMA PERLATUM: A REVIEW

Parmotrema perlatum or Parmelia perlataor Kalpasi or black stone flower is a foliose lichen traditionally valued for its medicinal and aromatic properties. In recent years, the species has attracted growing scientific interest because of its rich content of unique secondary metabolites and wide range of biological activities. These review highlights the botanical features, phytochemical profile, and pharmacological potential of Parmotrema perlatum. The lichen is rich in bioactive secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, steroids, and fatty acid which contribute to its diverse therapeutic potential. Experimental studies have demonstrated that Parmotrema perlatum exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, hepatoprotective, antitubercular, antimicrobial, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, vasodilator, anti-dermatophytic, antiurolithiatic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, cytotoxic, gastroprotective, and chemopreventive activity. However, most evidence is derived from in-vitro and in-vivo studies and there is a lack of standardized phytochemical characterization and comprehensive safety evaluation. Therefore, further well-designed studies, including standardized extracts and clinical investigations, are necessary to validate its efficacy and safety.