Determination of Biological Activity and Biochemical Composition of Polytrichastrum formosum (Hedw.) G.L.Sm.

Abstract

This study examines the chemical profile and bioactivity of Polytrichastrum formosum (Hedw.) G.L. Sm., a moss species, to explore its potential therapeutic applications, focusing on antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-quorum sensing activities. The moss specimen was collected and extracted using ethanol. Various tests, including disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, were employed to assess its antibacterial, antioxidant, and phenolic content. Quorum sensing inhibition was evaluated by testing pyocyanin - motility inhibition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and violacein inhibition in Chromobacterium violaceum. The components of the P. formosum ethanol extract were analysed using gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS). The ethanol extract of P. formosum exhibited notable antibacterial effects against 19 strains, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. It also showed robust antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by substantial DPPH and CUPRAC radical scavenging activities. The concentration of phenolic compounds was measured at 190.05 mg GAE/mL. Moreover, the extract moderately suppressed pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa and slightly reduced its twitching motility, indicating potential anti-quorum sensing activity. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive constituents, including 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and linoleic acid, which are associated with various biological effects. This study emphasizes the notable antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-quorum sensing activities of P. formosum extract, indicating its value as a natural candidate for addressing antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress. Further investigation into its secondary metabolites may contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic agents.

Keywords

• Polytrichastrum formosum (Hedw.) G.L.Sm.
• Moss
• Biological activity
• Biochemical composition
• GC/MS

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