Four Centuries of Medicinal Mosses and Liverworts in European Ethnopharmacy and Scientific Pharmacy: A Review

Abstract

(1) Medicinal use of bryophytes dates to ancient times, but it has always been marginal due to their small size, difficult identification, lack of conspicuous organs which would attract attention (flowers, fruits) and insipid taste of the herb. The earliest testimonies of their medical use come from the 1500s. The interest in medicinal bryophytes diminished considerably in the 1880s, except for Sphagnum spp., which became a source of dressing material. The second half of the 20th century saw the revival of the study of bryophyte chemistry. (2) Historical printed sources from 1616 to 1889 were queried. Bryophyte species found were taxonomically identified and presented against the background of their confirmed properties and ecology. The study was supplemented with historical vs. modern ethnomedicinal data. (3) In 26 publications, 28 species were identified. Modern usage was known for 10 of them. Medicinal properties of 16 species were confirmed. (4) Species of wide geographical distribution range were (or are still being) used in local folk medicines. Historical ethnobiological and ethnopharmaceutical uses of them are sometimes convergent with their confirmed properties, mostly external (as antimicrobial or cytotoxic remedies).

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of liverwort species of Bagh Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Western Himalaya) against pathogenic bacteria

“…However, ethno-medicinal usage of this species has been reported from literature. In India and Canada, it is used to cure mouth and sore infections which indicate the presence of antimicrobial compounds that provide resistance against pathogens [25]. The results showed that a significant antibacterial activity was noted for the ethanol and methanol extract of R. hemisphaerica against both strains.…”

Stress, senescence, and specialized metabolites in bryophytes

“…However, there are extensive data on the phytochemistry of some bryophyte species that support chemotaxonomy or have been motivated by potential agrochemical or human medical bioactive applications of the extracted compounds. Bryophytes have featured in traditional medicinal practices, with around 70 species having established uses ( Harris, 2008 ; Asakawa et al , 2013 a , b ; Martínez-Abaigar and Núñez-Olivera, 2021 ; Drobnik and Stebel, 2021 ). Bryophyte extracts have been demonstrated to be active against plant and human microbial pathogens; plant fungal pathogens and insect pests; and as allelopathic compounds ( Asakawa et al , 2013 a , b ; Commisso et al , 2021 ).…”

Modern Use of Bryophytes as a Source of Secondary Metabolites

“…It was applied to treat wounds, swelling, burns, and snake bites. Marchantia polymorpha L. was used as a medicine for inflammation, liver problems, bites and cuts, and as a diuretic [16,33], while Frullania tamarisci (L.) Dumort. was utilized as an antiseptic remedy [16].…”

“…Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. served as a hemostatic to cure pulmonary tuberculosis, hematemesis, bruises, and athlete's foot dermatophytosis [33]. The moss Bryum argenteum Hedw.…”

“…The aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. boiled with beer was used as a footbath to treat chest fever, fever, microbial infections, and for detoxication [33].…”