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Abstract
Lichens have been widely used in traditional medicine across various cultures, particularly among pre-Columbian South American societies, where their applications were notably systematic. This study focuses on the antibacterial and enzymatic inhibition properties of extracts from two Peruvian lichens, Tasmania and Tasmaniaflavination. The antibacterial activity of these extracts was evaluated against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using the broth microdilution method to determine their efficacy.In addition to their antibacterial potential, the study assessed the ability of these lichen extracts to inhibit two key enzymes: α-glucosidase and α-amylase, which are relevant in managing certain metabolic conditions. The results of this research highlight the potential of Peruvian lichens as sources of bioactive compounds, both as antibacterial agents and as enzyme inhibitors. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of lichens and suggest a promising role for these natural compounds in the development of pharmaceutical applications, particularly in creating new antibacterial therapies and enzyme-based treatments. Overall, this study expands the understanding of lichen-based remedies and their potential contributions to modern medicine, especially as alternative treatments for bacterial infections and metabolic enzyme regulation.