BRYOPHYTES AS HIDDEN TREASURE

ryophytes are the second largest heterogeneous group of terrestrial plants. The bryophytes placed taxonomically between Algae and Pteridophytes, are further divided into three classes; Hornworts (class Anthocerotae), Liverworts (class Hepaticae) and Mosses (class Musci). They are the most captivating exotic species on earth with distinguishing characteristics. Bryophytes are rich in a variety of secondary biological active compounds. Bryophytes contain potentially useful natural products, including polysaccharides terpenoids, lipids, amino acids and phenylpropanoids. Bryophyte isolated compounds and extracts have cytotoxic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiviral, nematocidal, , effects on smooth and non-striated muscles, weight loss, plant growth regulation and allelopathic activities. In the present review, the therapeutic uses of bryophytes were focused in detail. This will highlight bryophytes as potential source for phytotherapeutic remedies and chemical products used in different fields of chemistry, pharmacology, bioiogy and different branches of life sciences.