The Influence of Seasonality on Secondary Metabolite Profiles and Neuroprotective Activities of Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Study.

Tanja M Lunić,Bojan Đ Božić,Biljana Đ Božić Nedeljković,Marija R Mandić,Marko S Sabovljević,Aneta D Sabovljević,Mariana M Oalđe Pavlović

doi:10.3390/plants11010123

Tanja M Lunić, Bojan Đ Božić + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010123

Copy DOI

Abstract

Numerous representatives of mosses, including Hypnum cupressiforme, have been used to alleviate different inflammation-related conditions. However, the mode of action underlying this anti-inflammatory potential has been poorly understood. Moreover, the influence of seasonality on the chemical composition and biological activity of mosses is generally overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the influence of seasonal changes (spring, summer, and autumn) on secondary metabolite composition and biological activities of ethyl acetate H. cupressiforme extracts. Antioxidant activity was measured using β-carotene bleaching assay, while MTT, NBT, ELISA, and Griess assays were carried out to explore the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective potential of extracts. Inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase were assessed experimentally and by docking analysis. The highest content of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity were observed in moss during the summer. Extracts inhibited the secretion of ROS, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, alleviating the inflammatory potential of H2O2 and LPS in microglial and neuronal cells. Strong inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase were observed in vitro. Docking analyses revealed high-affinity interactions of secondary metabolites present in H. cupressiforme with important enzyme residues. Altogether, these results reveal the neuroprotective potential and the significance of seasonal fluctuations on secondary metabolite content and biological activities in moss H. cupressiforme.

Highlights

IntroductionNon-vascular plants that belong to the second-largest group of terrestrial plants, bryophytes [1]
Mosses are small, non-vascular plants that belong to the second-largest group of terrestrial plants, bryophytes [1]
We investigated the inhibition of tyrosinase, an enzyme related to another neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson’s disease (PD)

Summary

Introduction

Non-vascular plants that belong to the second-largest group of terrestrial plants, bryophytes [1]. They occur in a wide range of habitats and form an essential component of numerous ecosystems, contributing to their proper functioning. Mosses have found application in biomonitoring of air pollutants and ethnopharmacology [2,3]. They have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin infections, wounds, and burns, as well as different inflammation-related conditions (fever, adenotonsillitis, rhinitis, and pneumonia) [3]. We have focused on Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw., a pleurocarpous moss species. Despite the prevalence of this moss, studies regarding H. cupressiforme’s chemical composition and biological activities are rare, while biological assays usually involve the analysis of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor potential [9,10]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion