Charles J. Simmons

Dr. Charles J. Simmons


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

27Years (2000-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
17 March 2005 in Inorganic Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSCharles J. Simmons
Charles J. Simmons
HSHorst Stratemeier
Horst Stratemeier
GHGraeme R. Hanson
Graeme R. Hanson
MHMichael A. Hitchman
Michael A. Hitchman

5 January 2006 in Inorganic Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSCharles J. Simmons
Charles J. Simmons
HSHorst Stratemeier
Horst Stratemeier
MHMichael A. Hitchman
Michael A. Hitchman
MRMark J. Riley
Mark J. Riley

22 November 2000 in Inorganic Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSCharles J. Simmons
Charles J. Simmons
MHMichael A. Hitchman
Michael A. Hitchman
HSHorst Stratemeier
Horst Stratemeier

3 May 2011 in Inorganic Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSCharles J. Simmons
Charles J. Simmons
HSHorst Stratemeier
Horst Stratemeier
MHMichael A. Hitchman
Michael A. Hitchman
DRDirk Reinen
Dirk Reinen
VMVanessa M. Masters
Vanessa M. Masters
MRMark J. Riley
Mark J. Riley

6 September 2013 in Inorganic Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSCharles J. Simmons
Charles J. Simmons
HSHorst Stratemeier
Horst Stratemeier
MHMichael A. Hitchman
Michael A. Hitchman
MRMark J. Riley
Mark J. Riley

19 January 2026 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MRMarvin Joubin Rositzki
Marvin Joubin Rositzki
ARAchara Raksat
Achara Raksat
CSCharles J. Simmons
Charles J. Simmons
CSClifford Winston Smith
Clifford Winston Smith
RCReverend Danette Choi
Reverend Danette Choi
LCLeng Chee Chang
Leng Chee Chang
Background/Objectives: The global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA), continues to pose a major public health challenge, including in Hawaii. This underscores the need to discover new antimicrobial agents from natural sources. Guided by teachings from a Buddhist master regarding the medicinal value of lichens, we investigated the endemic Hawaiian lichen Cladonia skottsbergii. Methods: Specimens of C. skottsbergii were collected from the Lotus Buddhist Monastery in Mountain View, Hawaii. A methanolic extract was prepared and purified using chromatographic techniques, and compound structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of the compounds was assessed against Gram-positive strains (MRSA, MSSA) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Cytotoxicity was assessed using A549 (non-small cell lung cancer) and Vero E6 (non-tumorigenic) cell lines. Results: Three compounds were isolated: clarosione (1), a newly identified trichlorinated xanthone, and two known metabolites, (S)-usnic acid (2) and perlatolic acid (3). Compounds 2 and 3 demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against MRSA and MSSA. Their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 2 to 4 µg/mL, compared with vancomycin (0.5–1 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity testing showed higher sensitivity in A549 cells than in Vero E6 cells, resulting in favorable selectivity indices for the active compounds. Conclusions: In the current study, a new compound, clarosione (1) was discovered. This enhances our understanding of the constituents of C. skottsbergii and its potential antibacterial properties. Lichen-derived compounds may serve as lead candidates for further development, and further study is warranted.