Anti-obesity (Pancreatic lipase inhibitory) activity of Everniastrum cirrhatum (Fr.) Hale (Parmeliaceae)

Introduction: Obesity has increased at an alarming rate and is now a worldwide health problem. Everniastrum cirrhatum (Fr.) Hale (Parmeliaceae) is a foliose lichen and grow luxuriantly in tropical Himalayas, central India and higher altitudes of southern India. In this study, we report Anti-obesity activity, in terms of pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, of methanol extract of E. cirrhatum for the first time. Methods: The powdered lichen material was extracted with methanol in soxhlet apparatus. The extract was tested for secondary metabolites by standard phytochemical tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Lipase enzyme was obtained from the chicken pancreas. Lipase inhibitory activity of different concentrations of methanol extract was determined in terms of inhibition of lipase activity using olive oil as substrate. Results: The extract was found to inhibit activity of chicken pancreatic lipase and the effect was found to be concentration dependent. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. TLC revealed Atranorin, Salazinic acid and Protolichesterinic acid. Conclusion: The result of lipase inhibitory activity of the lichen in this study is promising. The inhibitory activity may be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites. In suitable form, the lichen could find its application as anti-obesity agent. Further studies on isolation of active principles from the extract and their enzyme inhibitory activity are under investigation.