Hypogymnia physodes

Hypogymnia physodes
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Ascomycota
Class:	Lecanoromycetes
Order:	Lecanorales
Family:	Parmeliaceae
Genus:	Hypogymnia
Species:	H. physodes
Binomial name
Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. (1896)
Synonyms
Lichen physodesL. (1753)

Hypogymnia physodes, commonly known as the monk's-hood lichen, is a species of foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It is a common and widespread species in boreal and temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It has a grey to yellowish-green thallus that is loosely attached to its substrate and forms large irregular patches. Hollow lobes are 2–3mm wide. The outer edge turns up and is frequently covered with white powdery soredia underneath. Its lower surface is black, wrinkled and has some browning toward the lobe margins. The pycnidia are black and abundant, and their presence creates a pepper-like effect across the upper surface. ^[2] Because of its abundance and its moderate sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and heavy metals, Hypogymnia physodes is often used in bioindicator and biomonitoring studies that enable the assessment of air pollution and other environmental conditions. ^{[3] [4]}

H. physodes extract

H. physodes extract is recognised as having great pharmacological potential. Its major component is physodic acid which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. ^[5]

References

1. NatureServe. "Hypogymnia physodes". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
2. Brodo, Irwin M.; Sharnoff, Sylvia Duran; Sharnoff, Stephen (2001). Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. p. 354. ISBN   978-0300082494.
3. Hauck, Markus; Böning, Janina; Jacob, Mascha; Dittrich, Sebastian; Feussner, Ivo; Leuschner, Christoph (2013). "Lichen substance concentrations in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes are correlated with heavy metal concentrations in the substratum". Environmental and Experimental Botany. 85: 58–63. Bibcode:2013EnvEB..85...58H. doi:10.1016/j.envexpbot.2012.08.011.
4. Herzig, R.; Liebendörfer, L.; Urech, M.; Ammann, K.; Cuecheva, M.; Landolt, W. (1989). "Passive Biomonitoring with Lichens as a Part of an Integrated Biological Measuring System for Monitoring Air Pollution in Switzerland". International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. 35 (1): 43–57. Bibcode:1989IJEAC..35...43H. doi:10.1080/03067318908028377.
5. Studzińska-Sroka, E; Majchrzak-Celińska, A; Zalewski, P; Szwajgier, D; Baranowska-Wójcik, E; Żarowski, M; Plech, T; Cielecka-Piontek, J (5 April 2021). "Permeability of Hypogymnia physodes Extract Component-Physodic Acid through the Blood-Brain Barrier as an Important Argument for Its Anticancer and Neuroprotective Activity within the Central Nervous System". Cancers. 13 (7): 1717. doi: 10.3390/cancers13071717 . PMC   8038629 . PMID   33916370.