Comprehensive Study of Alpine Lichen Species in Uttarakhand: Characterization, Phytochemical Analysis, and Ethnobotanical Relevance

Lichens, complex symbiotic entities composed of fungi and algae, produce unique secondary metabolites with notable bioactive properties. This study aimed to collect, classify, and conduct preliminary phytochemical analysis on five lichen species: Stereocaulon foliolosum, Everniastrum cirrhatum, Usnea longissima, Lobaria retigera, and Peltigera polydactylon. Specimens were sourced from the alpine zones of Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts in Uttarakhand. To determine the optimal solvent for secondary metabolite profiling, we used petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol.