ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF MOSSES COMMON IN ARMENIA

Abstract

Nowadays, global health challenges such as the increased risk of diseases associated with oxidative stress and antibiotic resistance are issues of serious concern. Oxidative stress is considered the main cause of many modern pathological conditions, such as neurological disorders, ischemia, cancer, etc. Bryophytes synthesize a huge number of secondary metabolites that have therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. We assessed the free radical scavenging ability of the extracts using a common method, the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Three moss species showed good antioxidant activity. As the data obtained show, the lowest half-saturation values were observed in extracts of Dicranum scoparium – IC₅₀=21.13 µg/mL (78.87% inhibition), in extracts of moss Thuidium recognitum (Hedw) Lindb IC₅₀=28.0 µg/mL (72.0%), Brachythecium salebrosum – IC₅₀=43.75 µg/mL (56.25%). Aqueous extract of moss D. scoparium had less effect on the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Geotrichum candidum with inhibition percentages of 50% and 60% respectively; and for the growth of Mucor plumbeus and Cladosporium herbarum 70% and 75%, respectively. The results indicate that these plants contain compounds with antifungal potential. Bryophytes are not damaged by fungi, bacteria and insect larvae, because they contain aromatic and phenolic substances, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, sugar alcohols, amino acids, fatty acids, and aliphatic compounds that protect these organisms, so bryophytes have the potential for medical, pharmaceutical and agricultural use.