Diffractaic acid and usnic acid were identified as the analgesic and antipyretic components
of a lichen, Usnea diffracta. Both compounds showed an analgesic effect by the acetic acid-induced writhing and
tail-pressure methods in mice. Regarding the effect on normal body temperature and
LPS-induced hyperthermia in mice, diffractaic acid showed a significant effect only
on the former and usnic acid only on the latter.
Usnea diffracta
- Usneaceae - diffractaic acid - usnic acid - analgesic effect - antipyretic effect
- hypothermic effect
