Therapeutic potential of bryophytes and derived compounds against cancer

Abstract

A B S T R A C TObjective: Bryophytes, taxonomically placed between the algae and the pteridophytes, are divided into three classes such as Liverworts, Hornworts and Mosses. Indigenous use involves this small group of plants to treat various diseases. Bryophytes have been investigated pharmacologically for active biomolecules. Several constituents with therapeutic potential have been isolated, characterized and investigated for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidative, antiinflamatory and anticancerous efficacy. Methods: The present review deals with the literature covering the anticancerous potential of bryophytes. Apart from the examples of the compounds and the containing bryophyte genera, the authors have tried to include the examples of cancer cell lines on which the efficacy have been tested and the mode of action of certain cytotoxic agents. Results: Crude extracts and isolated compounds from bryophytes were found to possess potent cytotoxic properties. Different types of terpenoids and bibenzyls have been reported among the most potent cytotoxic compounds. Most of these compounds were found to induce apoptosis by activating a number of genes and enzymes. Biochemical markers such as DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, proteolysis of poly (ADPribose) polymerase, activation of caspases, inhibition of antiapoptotic nuclear transcriptional factor-kappaB, activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase etc. have been found to be associated with apoptotic and necrotic response. Conclusions: This review summarizes recent scientific findings and suggests further investigations to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of bryophytes.

Bryophytes: A Potential Source of Antioxidants

“…Many of them show interesting biological activity and become a potential source of different medicines. They also possess anticancer and antimicrobial activity due to their unique chemical constituents [7].…”

Phytochemistry of the Genus Trichocolea

“…The pool of secondary metabolites isolated from liverworts belonging to the title genus include benzoate esters, flavonoids, and labdane and isopimarane diterpenes. Although there are no reports on the folk and ethnomedical uses of plants belonging to the Trichocolea genus and few citations about pharmacological activities of individual principles or phytopreparations, data currently at disposition show a great potential to this concern [2]. The aim of this short review is to examine from phytochemical and pharmacological perspectives the different species belonging to the Trichocolea genus for which the extraction, isolation, structural characterization, and description of the biological activity of individual compounds and/or phytopreparations are reported in the literature.…”

Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of some moss species

“…Literature data show antibacterial [13][14][15], antifungal [16,17] and antiviral [13,18] activities of some liverwort and moss species. In many liverworts and moss of Polytrichum juniperinum, anticancer properties were also documented [19,20]. In bryophytes, a lot of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alcohols, fatty acids, and essential oils were determined [19][20][21].…”

“…In many liverworts and moss of Polytrichum juniperinum, anticancer properties were also documented [19,20]. In bryophytes, a lot of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alcohols, fatty acids, and essential oils were determined [19][20][21].…”