A8 Secondary Metabolites · Depside · Sphaerophorus fragilis · 2026 publication

Sphaerophorin Anthelmintic Line

The most active of 17 lichen metabolites against C. elegans in our 2026 study (LC50 22.07 µM). Earlier work adds melanoma-cell growth inhibition with caspase-3 activation and protection of DNA from radical damage.

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Evidence: Peer-reviewed 2026 · in vitro
Stage: Pilot on request
Indicative: Price on requestnegotiable by scope and application

Chemical structure of sphaerophorin — Sphaerophorin — structural formula

Scientific summary

Sphaerophorin is a lichen depside: two substituted hydroxybenzoic acid units joined by an ester bond, one of them carrying a heptyl side chain. It shows high stability and distinct UV-absorption properties. Earlier studies reported inhibition of human melanoma-cell growth, apoptosis-associated DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation, and protection of plasmid DNA from radical-mediated damage.

Biological rationale as published

Anthelmintic. C. elegans is used as a tractable nematode model. Sphaerophorin caused strong, concentration-dependent survival loss, including complete mortality at selected concentrations after prolonged exposure, and was the most active compound of the 17-metabolite panel (LC50 22.07 µM).
Anticancer. In M14 melanoma cells, sphaerophorin inhibited growth and was associated with apoptotic DNA fragmentation and increased caspase-3 activity.
Antioxidant. Sphaerophorin protected plasmid DNA from hydroxyl-radical and nitric-oxide-mediated cleavage and showed a superoxide-dismutase-like effect in the earlier melanoma/redox study.

Applications

Anthelmintic screening and lead discovery
Antiproliferative and apoptosis studies
Antioxidant activity
Photoprotection against UV

Assays & readouts available

MTT / cell viability, LDH release
ROS assay; superoxide-anion scavenging / SOD-like activity
Comet (DNA damage) and TUNEL assays
Western blotting
Melanoma cell assay; CCD-18Co cell culture
HPLC and NMR; SAR analysis

Specification

Compound class	Depside (lichen secondary metabolite)
Biological source	Sphaerophorus fragilis, Dimelaena oreina and other lichens
Evidence status	Multiple in vitro reports, including a 2026 UPJŠ-led study
Molecular formula	C₂₃H₂₈O₇ · MW 416.5 g/mol
Typical pilot	Bioactivity pilot 4–8 weeks, or custom research pilot 8–12 weeks
Engagement	Feasibility scan · pilot · licensing · co-development
Indicative price	Price on request, negotiable by scope and application

Publications

Frenák R, Vaneková Z, Lager S, Medvecová V, Kello M, Rollinger JM, Goga M. Lichens as a Source of Nematocidal Compounds: Identification of Sphaerophorin and Divaricatic Acid Active against Caenorhabditis elegans. ACS Omega 2026. — doi:10.1021/acsomega.6c05106
Lichen metabolites prevent UV light and nitric oxide-mediated plasmid DNA damage and induce apoptosis in human melanoma cells. Life Sci 2008. — PubMed 18721817
Pannarin inhibits cell growth and induces cell death in human prostate carcinoma DU-145 cells. Anti-Cancer Drugs. — PubMed 17075315

All published findings for this compound are in vitro. They are not evidence of clinical efficacy, safety in humans, or regulatory status, and we do not present them as such.

What happens next

Book a call or send an inquiry. Tell us the target, the application and the timeline.
We answer within three working days — including when the answer is that we cannot help.
NDA before disclosure, if you need one. Tick the box on the form.
Feasibility scan or pilot proposal with a defined scope, deliverable and price.

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Common questions

How does an engagement start?

With a free 30-minute discovery call. We establish whether there is a fit and what the right next step is. Nothing is committed at that point.

Can we sign an NDA before we describe our project?

Yes. Tick the NDA box on the inquiry form and we arrange it before any disclosure.

Are the prices on this site binding?

No. They are indicative ranges so that you can size a project before contacting us. Final terms are negotiated per scope.

How quickly do you reply?

Every inquiry is acknowledged within one working day and answered by the responsible group leader within three.

What happens if you cannot help?

We say so, early, and where we can we point you to someone who can. A negative feasibility answer delivered quickly is a useful result.

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A free 30-minute call establishes whether there is a fit and what the right next step is. Every inquiry is acknowledged within one working day and answered by the responsible group leader within three.

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