Immunomodulatory Potential of Hedwigia ciliata and Hypnum cupressiforme

Abstract

Hedwigia ciliata (Hedw.) P. Beauv. and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. are two widespread moss representatives, which belong to the second largest group of plants in terms of species number – bryophytes. Despite their abundance and well-known usage in traditional medicine, these mosses have been overlooked for a long time when it comes to their biological activities and potential application. However, with the identification of novel, highly interesting, and diverse secondary metabolites in different extracts of H. ciliata and H. cupressiforme, the perception of these species has rather changed. Their extracts contain a plethora of polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, plenty of which have shown interesting immunomodulatory activities. such as antioxidant, antitumor, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal. The exact mechanisms by which moss extracts exert their effects are still being investigated and the research interest on this topic is continuously growing. The present chapter provides the first detailed overview of the research related to the chemical composition and biological activities of mosses H. ciliata and H. cupressiforme, putting together future perspectives and strategies for the improvement of knowledge about bryophytes and their biological potential. In the following decades, species such as H. ciliata and H. cupressiforme, and mosses in general, will certainly represent attractive candidates and sources for the production of new, sustainable, and bryophyte-derived chemicals for diverse therapeutic purposes.