Chemistry, Biology and Pharmacology of Lichen (eBook)

Understand the properties and applications of one of the world's most ubiquitous flora

Lichen is a single entity comprising two or more organisms--most typically algae and fungus--in a symbiotic relationship. It is one of the planet's most abundant categories of flora, with over 25,000 known species across all regions of the globe. Lichens' status as a rich source of bioactive metabolites and phytochemicals, as well as their potential as bio-indicators, has given them an increasingly prominent role in modern research into medicine, cosmetics, food, and more.

Chemistry, Biology and Pharmacology of Lichen provides a comprehensive overview of these bountiful flora and their properties. It provides not only in-depth analysis of lichen physiology and ecology, but also a thorough survey of their modern and growing applications. It provides all the tools readers need to domesticate lichen and bring their properties to bear on some of humanity's most intractable scientific problems.

Chemistry, Biology and Pharmacology of Lichen readers will also find:

* Applications of lichen in fields ranging from food to cosmetics to nanoscience and beyond

* Detailed discussion of topics including lichen as habitats for other organisms, lichens as anticancer drugs, antimicrobial properties of lichen, and many more

* Detailed discussion on key bioactive compounds from lichens

Chemistry, Biology and Pharmacology of Lichen is ideal for scientists and researchers in ethnobotany, pharmacology, chemistry, and biology, as well as teachers and students with an interest in biologically important lichens.