Perspectives in Biomonitoring and Pharmacological Aspects of Parmelia sulcata Taylor

Over the past few decades, the rise in anthropogenic activities has led to environmental pollution. Heavy metals and metalloids like lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and aluminium are major pollutants hampering the harmony of the ecosystem. Biomonitoring describes various techniques and approaches for studying biological responses to pollution. The use of lichens in pollution monitoring proved to be an efficient method to curtail it. Representing a complex life form, lichens exist in a symbiotic association connecting algae and fungus. These biosensors are not only used to monitor environmental pollutants but have also been used medicinally since time immemorial. Lichens from Parmelia emerge as a valuable tool for monitoring pollution due to their unique capacity to accumulate heavy metals. Parmelia sulcata Taylor commonly known as shield lichen inhabited on trees, rocks and even on walls and is well distributed throughout the world from cold to temperate regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. For centuries, Parmelia sulcata has been used in traditional medicine to cure cranial disorders and also rubbed on the gums of teething babies to alleviate discomfort. It has been found that this lichen constitutes distinctive chemical constituents such as salazinic acid, atranorin, volatile oils, etc. contributing towards the anticancer, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and mosquitocidal potential. The prime objective of this current manuscript is to discuss the biomonitoring and pharmacological potential of Parmelia sulcata Taylor.