Potential antioxidant activity of the moss Bryum moravicum.

A limited number of mosses has ever been studied regarding antioxidant activity among which only a few are European species. As a part of our ongoing screening of new promising bryophyte resources of natural antioxidants, a relevant biological activity investigation was conducted on the moss Bryum moravicum Podp. (Bryaceae) collected in Germany. The antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract of the species was evaluated in vitro by analysing its ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] cation scavenging activity and total phenolic content. The study led to the detection of a moderate antioxidant activity: 1 mg of the extract was equivalent to 84.56 ± 7.93 µg of ascorbic acid. The total phenolic content in 1 mg of the extract was equivalent to 356.44 ± 9.56 µg of ferulic acid used as a standard. These results have indicated for the first time potential importance of B. moravicum in searching for novel antioxidant agents.