Study of the Biological Activity and Phenolic Content of the Ethanol Extract of Phyllogonium viride Brid. (Phyllogoniaceae, Bryophyta)

The present study aimed to examine the phenolic content and evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of ethanol extracts from the moss species Phyllogonium viride Brid. on the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, and the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The antimicrobial activity was determined from Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). Antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method. Folin-Denis reagent was used for the content of total phenolics and flavonoids and HPLC-DAD for identification of phenolic compounds. The results showed that bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities occurred at concentrations ranging from 9.76 mu g/mL-78.13 mu g/mL among all evaluated microorganisms. These values, considering the criteria used, suggest the P. viride extract as a potent antimicrobial. For antioxidant activity, P. viride extract was considered weak. Analysis of the phenolic content showed a wide range of compounds, with Kaempferol (0.41 mg/g) being the major compound, followed by t-cinnamic acid and caffeic acid (0.17 mg/g). Although P. viride is a species of moss not yet referenced in scientific publications of biotechnological interest, it has shown promising potential for further studies and possible application as an antimicrobial of natural origin.

Automated summary

The present study aimed to examine the phenolic content and evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of ethanol extracts from the moss species Phyllogonium viride Brid. The results showed that P. viride extract displayed potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi. However, its antioxidant activity was considered weak. Analysis of the phenolic content revealed a wide range of compounds, with Kaempferol as the major compound. This study suggests that P. viride extract has promising potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.