Extracts Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Potential Immunomodulatory Activities of the Moss Hedw.

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the chemistry and biological potential of mosses, since a large number of biologically active compounds have been found within these species. This study aimed at examining the chemical composition and immunomodulatory potential (antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-neuroinflammatory/antineurodegenerative, and antitumor activities) of moss Hedw. extracts. Corresponding extracts have been obtained applying Soxhlet extractor. The chemical characterization was performed using spectrophotometric assays and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity and for inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase. Additionally, extracts were tested against four cell lines-MRC-5, BV2, HCT-116, and MDA-MB-231-for antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. Chemical analysis of extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. Major compounds identified by LC-MS in were kaempferol and five phenolic acids: -hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, -coumaric, gallic, and caffeic acid. According to biochemical assays the investigated extracts exhibited significant immunomodulatory potential. Significant antiproliferative potential against MDA-MB-231 cells has been observed together with the promising anti-neuroinflammatory application. The obtained data suggest that moss is a valuable natural source of biologically active compounds with potential application in the pharmaceutical industry.