Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Parmelia sulcata Taylor and its Cytotoxic Effects on a Glioblastoma Cell Line

Objectives: The current study aims to establish the pharmacognostic profile and evaluate the cytotoxic potential of Parmelia sulcata Talyor in the glioblastoma cell line. Materials and Methods: In this experimental investigation, pharmacognostic evaluation has been conducted via standard procedures, and active fractions obtained through column chromatography, further identified by liquid chromatography– mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The total antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract of the lichen was obtained via the phosphomolybdate method, and a reducing power assay was conducted to determine its in vitro antioxidant potential. The glioblastoma U87-MG cell lines were cultivated in minimum essential medium supplemented with nonessential amino acids, and 10% fetal bovine serum was maintained under controlled conditions. 3-(4,5-Dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to test the cytotoxicity of ethanolic extract of lichen and its isolated active fraction. Results: The pharmacognostic profile of P. sulcata inhabiting in lithophytic life form has been established. Morphological parameters aided in studying the physical attributes of lichen, whereas microscopic parameters helped to determine the histological characteristics. LC–MS analysis of purified fractions confirms the presence of phenolics in the lichens responsible for anticancer activity. Pharmacological data on U87-MG cell lines revealed the possible usage of this lichen in the treatment of glioblastoma and its associated pathological conditions. Lichen extract and its purified fraction (L16–L21) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the proliferation of U87 glioblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: This study reported that the shield lichen has promising cytotoxic activities in U87-MG cell lines, which was marked by a reduction in cancer cell proliferation. Further pharmacognostic and phytochemical data confirmed its identity and facilitated its inclusion in various Pharmacopoeias.