Bioactive Potential of Pohlia wahlenbergii (Bryophyta): Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antimicrobial Activities

Bryophytes constitute an important group of plants whose biological activities have not been sufficiently studied. The numerous bioactive compounds in their structures make them significant. In this study the in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of acetone and methanol extracts of Pohlia wahlenbergii moss were evaluated. In determining antioxidant activity, the inhibitory powers of these extracts against two different radicals, DPPH. and ABTS.+ were measured. The results were compared with standard ascorbic acid results. In addition, the α-amylase enzyme inhibition of these extracts was measured to determine their antidiabetic activity. The drug acarbose was used to compare the results. The highest DPPH. and ABTS.⁺ radical scavenging was observed in the acetone extract, with IC₅₀ values of 1.509 and 1.301 mg/mL, respectively. The ABTS.+ radical removal activity was found to be stronger. Antidiabetic activity was determined by α-amylase enzyme inhibition, which was found to be highest in the methanol extract (1.792 mg/mL). The extracts were determined to possess antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In addition, the in vitro antimicrobial potential of extracts from Pohlia wahlenbergii against various pathogenic microorganisms has been evaluated. Results showed strong antifungal activity, with the acetone extract outperforming the standard drug Fluconazole, exhibiting a 25 mm inhibition zone against Candida albicans and an MIC of 16 µg/mL. The methanol extract also demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, notably a 20 mm inhibition zone against Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium. The selective antimicrobial properties of Pohlia wahlenbergii indicate its potential as a source for developing new natural antibiotics and antifungal agents.