The phytotoxic lichen metabolite, usnic acid, is a potent inhibitor of plant p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase

The lichen secondary metabolite usnic acid exists as a (?) and a (+) enantiomer, indicating a or β projection of the methyl group at position 9b, respectively. (?)-Usnic caused a dose-dependent bleaching of the cotyledonary tissues associated with a decrease of both chlorophylls and carotenoids in treated plants whereas no bleaching was observed with the (+) enantiomer. (?)-Usnic acid inhibited protophorphyrinogen oxidase activity (I₅₀=3 μM), but did not lead to protoporphyrin IX accumulation. Bleaching appears to be caused by irreversible inhibition of the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase by (?)-usnic acid (apparent IC₅₀=50 nM).