Endolichenic Fungi, an Emerging Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Pharmaceutical Perspective

Endolichenic fungi (ELF), residing within the thallus of lichen, which is a symbiotic association of algae and fungi, are emerging as an alternative source for bioactive secondary metabolites. The complex miniature ecosystem compels endolichenic fungi to produce diverse chemical scaffolds, thus proving a potential resource for novel bioactive molecules. The chemical diversity and pharmacological benefits of secondary metabolites from endolichenic fungi have been investigated in numerous studies. This chapter highlights 40 potent molecules selected after a critical analysis of 672 documented molecules (2007–2022) from ELF. The inclusion criteria for selection are as follows: cytotoxicity less than 2μM, antibacterial less than 5μM, antifungal less than 10μg/mL, antioxidant less than 5 mg/mL, anti-inflammatory less than 10μM, anti-Alzheimer’s less than 10μM, and AChE inhibition less than 50μg/mL. This chapter concisely states the bioactive secondary metabolites from ELF, along with the challenges, and future directives to convert them into pharmaceutical leads.