Antineurodegenerative and Antidiabetic Activity of Lichens

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are phenomena that occur in the central nervous system through the hallmarks associating the loss of neuronal structure and function. These diseases affect many of our body’s activities, such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function. These disorders are very common and their frequency increases with age, in mid-to-late adult life. Except neurodegeneration, a very common disease is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by inherited and/or acquired deficiency in the production of insulin by the pancreas or by the ineffectiveness of the insulin produced. Such a deficiency results in increased concentrations of glucose in the blood, which in turn damage many of the body’s systems. Since the past few decades, diabetes has become a global health problem. Apart from conventional therapy, several studies have shown that some natural products have beneficial effects in neurological and diabetic patients. Various natural products emerged as interesting molecules with antineurodegenerative and antidiabetic potential. However, little is known in relation to lichens as potential therapeutics in these disorders. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the antineurodegenerative and antidiabetic potential of lichens that have received considerable attention in the recent past.