Scientists from Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University in Baripada have discovered 148 lichen species in Simlipal National Park, the highest number ever recorded in Odisha. The discovery includes Physciella melanchra, identified for the first time in India, and Cladonia fruticulosa, new to Odisha.
The lichens contain compounds including thymoquinone, zeorin, and azelaic acid. These substances show potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties that could support future medical treatments.
Where and When
The research took place in Simlipal National Park, located in Mayurbhanj district. The park is a biosphere reserve known for its dense forests, tigers, elephants, and melanistic black tigers. The findings were announced in February 2025 following a project commissioned by the Odisha government.
Professor Biswajit Rath, head of research at the university, explained the scope of the work. “We received a project on lichen identification from the Odisha government in Simlipal National Park. We surveyed lichens and identified 148 species, including one new to Odisha, Cladonia fruticulosa, and the first in India, Physciella melanchra, which we hadn’t found elsewhere,” he said.
Research Methods and Findings
The team collected samples from the core, buffer, and transition zones of the park. Key genera identified include Parmotrema, Cladonia, Heterodermia, Dirinaria, Trypethelium, Diorygma, and Graphis.
Rath described the next phase of research. “We collected and stored the lichens at the university, identified them, and studied their biopotential activities. The lichens contain valuable compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, including thymoquinone, which kills human pathogens and may have anticancer effects,” he said.
The professor noted that thymoquinone was previously known to occur in black cumin but its identification in lichen represents a new discovery. All collected specimens are preserved in the Lichen Repository at the university for ongoing research.
What Are Lichens
Lichens are organisms formed through a partnership between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. They survive in extreme conditions including heat, heavy rain, drought, and disease. To protect themselves, they produce bioactive compounds that act as natural shields.
Pure anti-cancer compounds have not been isolated yet but have been detected by the research team. “The compounds in lichen having anti-cancer properties have been identified. Those are to be further purified, and their efficacies are to be studied. However, it is a time-consuming affair,” Rath told local media.
The university received the research project from the Science and Technology Department of the Odisha government. Over 50 samples remain under identification in partnership with the National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow.
Simlipal National Park features diverse landscapes including rocks, tree trunks, and soil. High rainfall and clean air support rich biodiversity. The discovery adds scientific importance to this protected area beyond its wildlife conservation value.
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