HPLC-DAD of phenolics in bryophytes Lunularia cruciata, Brachytheciastrum velutinum and Kindbergia praelonga

The chemistry of bryophytes is not well known. The available data indicate interesting chemical constitutions of some bryophyte species, i.e., ac- tive and new compounds are to be found within bryophytes, especially liver- worts. In this study, one liverwort and two moss species were studied: Lunu- laria cruciata (L.) Dumort, Brachytheciastrum velutinum (Hedw) Ignatov & Huttunen and Kindbergia praelonga (Hedw) Ochyra. The phenolic compo- sitions of these bryophyte species have not hitherto been reported. Their metha- nolic extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC, coupled to a diode-array detector (DAD). Luteolin-7-O-glucoside and quercetin were found in the L. cruciata extract. The extract obtained from B. velutinum contained four phe- nolic acids (4-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic, caffeic and ellagic acids) and three flavonoids (apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin and apigenin). The K. praelonga extract was characterized by the presence of several phenolic acids and their derivatives (4-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic, caffeic, p-cou- maric, ferulic and ellagic acids, and caffeic and p-coumaric acid derivatives) and three flavonoids (apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, apigenin and an un- identified flavanone).