Chemical characterization and immunomodulatory potential of the moss <em>Hypnum cupressiforme</em> Hedw. extracts

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the chemical composition and immunomodulatory potential of the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. extracts. The corresponding extracts were obtained utilizing Soxhlet extractor and further characterized by spectrophotometric assays and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total reduction power, and β-carotene bleaching assays. The inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase were tested for potential antidiabetic and antineurodegenerative activity. Additionally, biocompatibility, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory potential were tested on MRC-5, HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, and BV2 cells, respectively. Major compounds identified by LC-MS in H. cupressiforme extracts were kaempferol and five phenolic acids: p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric, gallic, and caffeic acid. Biochemical assays revealed the significant immunomodulatory potential of examined extracts. Moreover, significant antiproliferative potential against human breast cancer cells-MDA-MB-231 (inhibitory rate up to 50%) and acceptable biocompatibility were observed. Also, a significant decrease in NO production, observed in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells, implies potential anti-neuroinflammatory application. Obtained results qualify the moss H. cupressiforme as a highly promising candidate for more detailed examination and also putative therapeutical application.