Chemical Constituents of the Bryophytes

Liverwort-Derived Metabolites Retard Endophyte Growth and Inspire Antifungal Application

Liverwort secondary metabolites play an important role in the peaceful relationship between liverwort endophytic fungi and the host. This study identified potential antifungal agents based on interactions between host plants and endophytic fungi. Two endophytic fungi strains and 25 metabolites, including nine new compounds, were isolated from the Chinese liverwort Herbertus herpocladioides. Endophytic fungi were identified using internal transcribed spacer and whole-genome sequencing, and the compound structures were determined using comprehensive spectroscopic analysis coupled with electronic circular dichroism calculations. Among these compounds, compounds 10-13 exhibited potent antifungal activities. Compound 10, the most potent antifungal agent, disrupted fungal mitochondrial respiration by inhibiting the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and IV and resulted in the intracellular ATP content of endophytic fungi being significantly reduced. The in vivo results show that compound 10 protected fruits and animals from infection by phytopathogen Alternaria citriarbusti and human pathogen Candida albicans, respectively.

Tissue Culture of Plagiochasma appendiculatum and the Effect of Callus Differentiation on Types and Content of Bisbibenzyls

Plagiochasma appendiculatum, a thalloid liverwort, contains high levels of bisbibenzyls, aromatic compounds with potent antitumor as well as antifungal activities. In the present study, rapid growth callus was induced from the thallus of P. appendiculatum, and optimal culture conditions, including medium, temperature, pH, and plant growth regulators for callus production were evaluated. Under optimal culture conditions, the biomass of the callus doubled with a sigmoidal growth curve after 15 days. Differentiation and plant regeneration were studied on a medium supplemented with different plant hormones (α-naphthaleneacetic acid [NAA], 6-benzyladenine [6-BA], and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D]). NAA and 6-BA stimulated rhizoid and thallus differentiation, respectively, whereas 2,4-D inhibited the differentiation of thallus and rhizoid. Different metabolic profiles of callus, differentiated thallus, and thallus in the soil were studied by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that both the callus and thallus could synthesize bisbibenzyls. In addition, the kinds and content of bisbibenzyl differed significantly between the callus and thallus. In conclusion, P. appendiculatum thallus cultured in vitro possesses the ability to biosynthesize bisbibenzyl, and it may be utilized for the mass production of specific bisbibenzyls in an appropriate growth environment.

Liverwort oil bodies: diversity, biochemistry, and molecular cell biology of the earliest secretory structure of land plants

Liverworts are known for their large chemical diversity. Much of this diversity is synthesized and enclosed within oil bodies (OBs), a synapomorphy of the lineage. OBs contain the enzymes to biosynthesize and store large quantities of sesquiterpenoids and other compounds while limiting their cytotoxicity. Recent important biochemical and molecular discoveries related to OB formation, diversity, and biochemistry allow comparison with other secretory structures of land plants from an evo-devo perspective. This review addresses and discusses the most recent advances in OB origin, development, and function towards understanding the importance of these organelles in liverwort physiology and adaptation to changing environments. Our mapping of OB types and chemical compounds to the current liverwort phylogeny suggests that OBs were present in the most recent common ancestor of liverworts, supporting that OBs evolved as the first secretory structures in land plants. Yet, we require better sampling to define the macroevolutionary pattern governing the ancestral type of OB. We conclude that current efforts to find molecular mechanisms responsible for the morphological and chemical diversity of secretory structures will help understand the evolution of each major group of land plants, and open new avenues in biochemical research on bioactive compounds in bryophytes and vascular plants.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Metabolites From the Cultured Suspension Cells of Marchantia polymorpha L

Cell suspension culture is an attractive alternative source to wild plant for the production of novel biological metabolites. Hence, in this study, chemical investigation of cell suspension cultivated Marchantia polymorpha L. was performed, and led to the isolation of one new bis-bibenzyl (1), along with nine known analogues (2-10). Those chemical structures were elucidated based on the comprehensive analysis of NMR and MS data. The antioxidant and antibacterial effects of isolated components and crude extracts were evaluated, resulting in the identification of some antioxidant and antibacterial components. Meanwhile, Compare to that of wild grown M. polymorpha, the cell cultivated one was found to produce superior phenol yields, these constituents are of great importance for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The studies conducted so far have established that the cell culture of M. polymorpha can be considered not only as a rich source of phenolic but as promising source of natural antioxidants and antibiotics as well, which is also expected to develop for better usage of this medicinal herb.

A review of frameworks for using bryophytes as indicators of climate change with special emphasis on Sri Lankan bryoflora

The tropical island of Sri Lanka, with a land area of 65,610 km² and 1340 km of coastline, is highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change, with detrimental effects on agriculture, water resources, human health, coastal zones, infrastructure, industry, and biodiversity. A general increase in temperature and precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, and increase in weather-related natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, have been traced over the years. Bryophytes (liverworts, mosses, hornworts) occupy a pivotal position in the land plant evolution and form a unique part of the vegetation. Many taxa of bryophytes exhibit observable, distinct adaptations in response to changes in environmental conditions quickly. Bryophytes can be used to monitor climate change in two ways; (i) presence or absence in the ecosystem and (ii) changes in morphology and physiology that can be used for monitoring. Sri Lanka has a rich bryophyte flora consisting of 575 species of mosses, 338 species of liverworts, and 07 species of hornworts. It is estimated that 11% of mosses are endemic; there are no endemic thalloid liverworts or hornworts found in Sri Lanka, and the endemicity of leafy liverworts is yet to be investigated. The taxonomic status of endemic taxa and the biogeographic affinities of many taxa remain unexplored. Further, the potential use of bryophytes as indicators of climate change in Sri Lanka has not yet been investigated. This paper compiles the information on morphological and physiological responses of bryophytes to elevated temperature, increase in greenhouse gases, increased ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, and fluctuations in humidity. In the light of this gathered global knowledge, possible species of bryophytes to be used in assessing and predicting climate change and developing a climate change model in Sri Lanka are proposed. Asian bryophytes, in general, have poorly been represented in climate change literature. We believe that this knowledge will form the foundation for future research focused on climate change mitigation in other tropical and Asian countries.

Chemical Diversity of Liverworts From Frullania Genus

Frullania is one of the largest and taxonomically most complex genus of leafy liverworts. Current morphology-based estimates of Frullania diversity are close to 400 species; however, species level-classification of Frullania has been regarded notoriously difficult and subject to many studies. The liverworts classified in this genus have been studied using morphological evidence and molecular markers but also in terms of secondary metabolite composition. Up to now 98 Frullania species have been chemically investigated. As a result, it is known that Frullania species are characterized by a remarkable chemical diversity. The most characteristic compounds present in this liverwort genus are sesquiterpene lactones with eudesamnolides as the most diverse group, and aromatic compounds belonging to bibenzyls. In this review paper we report the distribution of secondary metabolites in all chemically investigated Frullania species and discuss some aspects concerning the division of this genus into chemotypes.

Gemma cup and gemma development in Marchantia polymorpha

The basal land plant Marchantia polymorpha efficiently propagates in favourable environments through clonal progeny called gemmae. Gemmae develop in cup-shaped receptacles known as gemma cups, which are formed on the gametophyte body. Anatomical studies have described the developmental processes involved over a century ago; however, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Recent studies have started to unravel the mechanism underlying genetic and hormonal regulation of gemma cup and gemma development, showing that it shares some regulatory mechanisms with several sporophytic organs in angiosperms. Further study of these specialized organs will contribute to our understanding of the core regulatory modules underlying organ development in land plants and how these became so diversified morphologically over the course of evolution.

Energy balance of food in a detrito-bryophagous groundhopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)

Detritus (decaying organic matter) and phyllodes of mosses are two main components in the diet of groundhoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae). We studied the energy balance of consumed food under laboratory conditions in the detrito-bryophagous groundhopper, Tetrix subulata (Linnaeus, 1758). The results indicated that the energy food budget of this detrito-bryophagous groundhopper was comparable to those of small herbivorous grasshoppers (Acrididae: Gomphocerinae, Melanoplinae), which have a similar energy food budget of approximately 800–1,100 J/g. T. subulata consumed four times more detritus than mosses, although both components provided similar amounts of energy (ca. 15–16 kJ/g). However, in contrast with detritus, moss fragments passed through the digestive tract without a distinct change in their mass or a loss in their energy value. We assume that moss may cause the longer retention of semifluid mass of partly digested food in the alimentary tract; hence, the digestion and efficiency of nutrient absorption from detritus could be more effective.

Characteristic Odor of the Japanese Liverwort (Leptolejeunea elliptica)

The volatile components produced by Leptolejeunea elliptica (Lejeuneaceae), which is a liverwort grown on the leaves of tea (Camellia sinensis), were collected and analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). 1-Ethyl-4-methoxybenzene (1), 1-ethyl-4-hydroxybenzene (2), and 1-acetoxy-4-ethylbenzene (3) were identified as the major components together with several other phenolic compounds, including 1,2-dimethoxy-4-ethylbenzene, and 4-ethylguaiacol in addition to sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, such as α-selinene, β-selinene, β-elemene, and β-caryophyllene. GC/Olfactometry showed the presence of linalool, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, trans-methyl cinnamate, and trans-4,5-epoxy-(2E)-decenal, as the volatile components produced by L. elliptica.

Pigments of the Moss Paraleucobryum longifolium: Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Prenyl-Substituted 8,8'-Linked 9,10-Phenanthrenequinone Dimers

In a search for new secondary metabolites from mosses, leucobryns A–E, axially chiral 9,10-phenanthrenequinone dimers, were isolated from Paraleucobryum longifolium (1–5), together with diosmetin triglycoside. Leucobryns B (2) and C (3) were proved to be homodimeric atropodiastereomers containing both axial and central chirality elements, while leucobryns D (4) and E (5) were found to be heterodimeric atropodiastereomers containing central chirality in only one of the two monomeric units. Axial chirality of the compounds was determined by ECD measurements and sTDA ECD calculations, while the central chirality elements were assigned by TDDFT-SOR calculations. Leucobryns represent the first 9,10-phenanthrenequinone dimers, the monomers of which are linked through their C-8 atoms. Leucobryns B–E contain an uncommon C₁₀ monoterpenoid side chain, in which isoprenoid units are joined by 3,4 linkages. Leucobryns A and B exhibited weak antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines.

A new species of Glyptapanteles Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) within Macrobrochis gigas (Lepidoptera, Arctiidae, Lithosiidae) in Fujian, China

The south-east coastal area of Fujian, China, belongs to the Oriental Realm, and is characterized by a high insect species richness. In this work, a new species of Hymenopteran parasitoid, Glyptapantelesgigas Liang & Song, sp. nov. found in Jinjiang within hosts of caterpillars Macrobrochisgigas (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), is described and illustrated, with differences from similar species. Additionally, we presumed that both parasitoid and host species play very important role in the coevolution and tritrophic interaction between plants, phytophagous insects, and their parasitoids, because these insects probably broke the sporangia and made contributions to their colonization, or some spores were spread for long distances by adult moths after their emergence, or some parasitoids were attracted by the eggs and larvae of these caterpillars, which was also thought to be helpful to spread of spores.

Diterpenoids From the Argentine and Malaysian Liverworts Anastrophyllum and Jungermannia Species

We are engaged in the ongoing investigation into the chemical constituents of liverworts in our search for novel compounds and biologically active substances. In the present study, two new rosane diterpenoids were isolated from the Argentine liverwort Anastrophyllum species, together with known aromadendrane sesqui- and rosane diterpenoids. Two new ent-kaurene and 4 ent-kaurene diterpenoids were isolated from the Malaysian liverwort Jungermannia species. Their structures were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and chemical transformation.

Sacculatane diterpenoids from the Chinese liverwort Pellia epiphylla with protection against H2O2-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells

Eight previously undescribed sacculatane diterpenoids, epiphyllins A-H, and one unknown bibenzyl-based isopentene along with seven known compounds were isolated from the Chinese liverwort Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda. Their structures were established unequivocally on the basis of spectroscopic data and CD measurement. The quinine reductase-inducing activity evaluation demonstrated that epiphyllins A-D, 1β-hydroxysacculatanolide and pellianolactone B displayed moderate antioxidant effect. Further investigation of pellianolactone B revealed its protective effects on H₂O₂-induced oxidative insults and apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Cytotoxic Activity of Riccardin and Perrottetin Derivatives from the Liverwort Lunularia cruciata

Seven new bisbibenzyls (1-7) were isolated from the methanol extract of the liverwort Lunularia cruciata along with one previously known bibenzyl and five known bisbibenzyls. The structures of compounds 1-7 were elucidated on the basis of the spectroscopic data. These newly isolated bisbibenzyls may be divided into two groups, the acyclic bisbibenzyls, perrottetins (1-3), and the cyclic analogues, riccardins (4-7). Besides standard perrottetin and riccardin structures (1 and 4, respectively), they contain phenanthrene (3 and 5), dihydrophenanthrene (2), and quinone moieties (6 and 7), rarely found in natural products. The new compounds 3 and 5, as well as the known riccardin G, exhibited cytotoxic activity against the A549 lung cancer cell line with IC₅₀ values of 5.0, 5.0, and 2.5 μM, respectively.

Malagasy Liverworts, Source of New and Biologically Active Compounds

The phytochemical investigation of eight Jungermaniales liverwort species: Bazzania decrescens, B. madagassa (Lepidoziaceae), Plagiochila barteri, P. terebrans (Plagiochilaceae), Isotachis aubertii (Isotachidaceae), Mastigophora diclados (Lepicoleaceae), Radula appressa (Radulaceae), and Thysananthus spathulistipus (Lejeuneaceae), collected from Madagascar, has been carried out to afford new and structurally interesting terpenoids and aromatic compounds. The biological activities of the isolated secondary metabolites were determined and the herbertene-type sesquiterpenoids were shown to have antibacterial activity. A new ent-clerodane diterpene from Thysananthus spathulistipus and bis-bibenzyls-type aromatic compounds exhibited strong inhibition of NO production in RAW 264.7 cells, while marchantin C produced moderate α-glucosidase inhibition. The chemosystematics of the studied species are discussed.

New Prenylated Dihydrostilbenes from Croton Laevifolius

Two prenylated dihydrostilbenes have been isolated from the methanol extract of the flower of Croton laevifolius. The structures of these compounds were assigned as 3,5,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-2,6,2′-tris(3-methylbut-2-enyl)dihydrostilbene (laevifolin A) and 3,5,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-2,6,5′-tris(3-methylbut-2-enyl)dihydrostilbene (laevifolin B) based on spectroscopic evidence, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectra. The chemotaxonomic significance of the presence of these dihydrostilbene derivatives is briefly discussed.

Identification of chalcone isomerase in the basal land plants reveals an ancient evolution of enzymatic cyclization activity for synthesis of flavonoids

Flavonoids ubiquitously distribute to the terrestrial plants and chalcone isomerase (CHI)-catalyzed intramolecular and stereospecific cyclization of chalcones is a committed step in the production of flavonoids. However, so far the bona fide CHIs are found only in vascular plants, and their origin and evolution remains elusive. We conducted transcriptomic and/or genomic sequence search, subsequent phylogenetic analysis, and detailed biochemical and genetic characterization to explore the potential existence of CHI proteins in the basal bryophyte liverwort species and the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii. We found that both liverwort and Selaginella species possess canonical CHI-fold proteins that cluster with their corresponding higher plant counterparts. Among them, some members exhibited bona fide CHI activity, which catalyze stereospecific cyclization of both 6'-hydroxychalcone and 6'-deoxychalcone, yielding corresponding 5-hydroxy and 5-deoxyflavanones, resembling the typical type II CHIs currently known to be 'specific' for legume plants. Expressing those primitive bona fide CHIs in the Arabidopsis chi mutant restores the seed coat transparent testa phenotype and the accumulation of flavonoids. These findings, in contrast to our current understanding of the evolution of enzymatic CHIs, suggest that emergence of the bona fide type II CHIs is an ancient evolution event that occurred before the divergence of liverwort lineages.

Bibenzyl-Based Meroterpenoid Enantiomers from the Chinese Liverwort Radula sumatrana

Six new pairs of bibenzyl-based meroterpenoid enantiomers, (±)-rasumatranin A-D (1-4) and (±)-radulanin M and N (5 and 6), and six known compounds were isolated from the adnascent Chinese liverwort, Radula sumatrana. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data and chiral phase HPLC-ECD analyses. The structures of 1 and 7 were also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Cytotoxicity tests of the isolated compounds showed that 6-hydroxy-3-methyl-8-phenylethylbenzo[b]oxepin-5-one (8) showed activity against the human cancer cell lines MCF-7, PC-3, and SMMC-7721, with IC₅₀ values of 3.86, 6.60, and 3.58 μM, respectively, and induced MCF-7 cell death through a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Volatile Chemical Constituents of the Chilean Bryophytes

The aim of this study is to increase the phytochemical knowledge of South American bryophytes, particularly from those of the southern tip of the continent, due to the uniqueness of its poorly known bryoflora. Thirty-two specimens were analyzed using GC-MS technique. Most of the molecules found in the present bryophyte species belong to sesquiterpenes. In general, liverworts resulted to be richer in terpenoid compounds, while mosses in n-alkanes. Oplopanone, trans- chrysanthenyl acetate and 6,7-secoeudesm-7(11)-en-6-al are compounds here newly reported to the bryophytes. α-Ylangene and α-herbertenol are new to hornworts, while α-herbertenol and n-heneicosane are new to mosses.

GC/MS Fingerprinting of Solvent Extracts and Essential Oils Obtained from Liverwort Species

Studies concerning chemical profiling of the volatiles present in the solvent extracts from liverworts help to determine inter- and intraspecific relationships in this plant group. Due to the fact that the liverworts are morphologically very small and it is difficult to collect their sufficient amounts, there are still a few data concerning the chemistry of essential oils. The available data indicate however, that the components present in the essential oils can be used in chemosystematic studies of these spore-forming plants. Compounds occurring in the essential oils constitute a powerful tool for studying chemical differences between or within liverwort species for which the characteristic components are mono- and sesquiterpenoids. Good results were obtained for the liverworts species from the genera Asterella, Conocephalum, Diplophyllum, Jungermannia, Lepidozia, Radula, Reboulia or Scapania.

Essential Oil Composition of Two Sphagnum Species Grown in Portugal and their In Vitro Culture Establishment

Two peat moss species, frequent both in the mainland Portugal and in the Azores archipelago, were evaluated for essential oil composition and establishment under in vitro culture. Sphagnum auriculatum and Sphagnum subnitens essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil of S. auriculatum was dominated by an as yet unidentified sesquiterpene, whereas zierene was the main component of S. subnitens essential oil. The in vitro cultures were successfully established for future studies of their chemical profile. The components present in essential oils obtained from S. auriculatum and S. subnitens together with morphological traits could be used to support the taxonomy of this plant group.

Comparison of headspace-oxylipin-volatilomes of some Eastern Himalayan mosses extracted by sample enrichment probe and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Mosses have an inherent adaptability against different biotic and abiotic stresses. Oxylipins, the volatile metabolites derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a key role in the chemical defence strategy of mosses. In the present study, a comparative survey of these compounds, including an investigation into their precursor fatty acids (FAs), was carried out for the first time on the mosses Brachymenium capitulatum (Mitt.) Paris, Hydrogonium consanguineum (Thwaites & Mitt.) Hilp., Barbula hastata Mitt., and Octoblepharum albidum Hedw. collected from the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity hotspot. Their headspace volatiles were sampled using a high-efficiency sample enrichment probe (SEP) and were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. FAs from neutral lipid (NL) and phospholipid (PL) fractions were also evaluated. Analysis of the oxylipin volatilome revealed the generation of diverse metabolites from C₅ to C₁₈, dominated by alkanes, alkenes, saturated and unsaturated alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and cyclic compounds, with pronounced structural variations. The C₆ and C₈ compounds dominated the total volatilome of all the samples. Analyses of FAs from membrane PL and storage NL highlighted the involvement of C₁₈ and C₂₀ PUFAs in oxylipin generation. The volatilome of each moss is characterized by a 'signature oxylipin mixture'. Quantitative differences in the C₆ and C₈ metabolites indicate their phylogenetic significance.

Management of Diabetic Bacterial Foot Infections with Organic Extracts of Liverwort Marchantia debilis from Cameroon

Diabetic bacterial foot infections (DBFIs) are limb-threatening complications in patients with diabetes mellitus, accounting for 50% of diabetes related lower limb amputations in developing countries, representing approximately 20 percent of all diabetes-related hospital admissions with significant healthcare-related costs involved. The widespread problem of bacterial resistance to most commonly used antibiotics places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system, with both increased morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients with foot infections. In this study, the antibacterial activity of organic extracts of the fresh liverwort Marchantia debilis from the North West Region of Cameroon is reported. An exit pool system, where patients presenting with DBFIs consented to be involved in the use of phytomedicines, after long term treatment of ulcers with antibiotics and not yielding significant long term benefit, presented themselves at the Phytobiotechnology Research clinic (PRF). Continuous culture of swabs from foot and toe wounds from 30 infected patients on nutrient agar and MacConkey agars in triplicate as well as Gram stain microscopy, revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus species. Light petroleum and methanol extracts of the whole bryophyte plants at 100% concentration were tested. In vitro inhibition of the tested bacterial isolates from the diabetic foot ulcers by M. debilis was observed only with the light petroleum extract. No inhibition by the extracts was observed for the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate. The light petroleum extract of M. debilis was formulated into a petroleum oil based cream named BryoCreamTM. This was administered to 20 of the patients with 90% cure rate in a three week time period. The main nonpolar components were determined by GCMS as lepidozene and β-barbatene, and by NMR as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. In conclusion, nonpolar extracts from bryophytes from Cameroon could, potentially, be used to treat diabetic bacterial foot infections.

Bis-bibenzyls from the Cameroon Liverwort Marchantia debilis

Liverworts are rich sources of terpenoids and aromatic compounds among which bis-bibenzyls are well known for their wide spectrum of biological activities. This is the first report of chemical analysis of the African liverwort Marchantia debilis Goebel. From the methanol extract marchantinquinone-1′-methyl ether was newly isolated together with three known bis-bibenzyls, marchantin C, marchantinquinone and perrottetin E. The presence of bis-bibenzyls with a quinone moiety is noted for the first time in the Marchantia genus.

Enzymatic production of oroxylin A and hispidulin using a liverwort flavone 6-O-methyltransferase

Oroxylin A and hispidulin, compounds which are abundant in both Scutellaria and liverwort species, are important lead compounds for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Their enzymatic synthesis requires an O-methyltransferase able to interact with the related flavonoid's 6-OH group, but such an enzyme has yet to be identified in plants. Here, the gene encoding an O-methyltransferase (designated PaF6OMT) was isolated from the liverwort species Plagiochasma appendiculatum. A test of alternative substrates revealed that its strongest preferences were baicalein and scutellarein, which were converted into, respectively, oroxylin A and hispidulin. Allowed a sufficient reaction time, the conversion rate of these two substrates was, respectively, 90% and 100%. PaF6OMT offers an enzymatic route to the synthesis of oroxylin A and hispidulin.

Volatile Components Emitted from the Liverwort Marchantia Paleacea Subsp. Diptera

The volatile components from the thalloid liverwort, Marchantia paleacea subsp. diptera were investigated by HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis. The monocyclic monoterpene aldehyde, perillaldehyde was identified for the first time as the major component and its content was about 50% of the volatiles, along with β-pinene, limonene, β-caryophyllene, α-selinene and β-selinene as minor volatiles. Using MD (Multi-dimensional) GC-MS analysis equipped with a chiral column as the second column, the chirality was determined of both perillaldehyde and limonene, which was considered as the precursor of perillaldehyde,. Both compounds were ( S)-(-)-enantiomers (over 99.0 %) and ( R)-enantiomers (less than 0.5 %). This is the first report of the existence of perillaldehyde in liverworts.

Volatile Components of the Stressed Liverwort Conocephalum Conicum

The Type-II Japanese Conocephalum conicum, which is known to have (+)-bornyl acetate as a marker compound, was put in the stressed condition to start biosynthesis of a phenyl propanoid, trans-methyl cinnamate. Analysis of the HS-SPME GC/MS of stressed C. conicum showed trans-methyl cinnamate as a major component. This phenomenon results in some confusion from the chemotype perspective since trans-methyl cinnamate is only present in type-III Japanese C. conicum.

Immunomodulatory pinguisane-type sesquiterpenes from the liverwort Porella cordaeana (Porellaceae): the “new old” furanopinguisanol and its oxidation product exert mutually different effects on rat splenocytes

α-Furanopinguisanol and furanopinguisanone, two new pinguisane-type sesquiterpenes from the liverwortPorella cordaeana, exert mutually different effects on rat splenocytes.

Activity of Redox Enzymes in the Thallus of Anthoceros natalensis

Anthocerotophyta (hornworts) belong to a group of ancient nonvascular plants and originate from a common ancestor with contemporary vascular plants. Hornworts represent a unique model for investigating mechanisms of formation of stress resistance in higher plants due to their high tolerance to the action of adverse environmental factors. In this work, we demonstrate that the thallus of Anthoceros natalensis exhibits high redox activity changing under stress. Dehydration of the thallus is accompanied by the decrease in activities of intracellular peroxidases, DOPA-peroxidases, and tyrosinases, while catalase activity increases. Subsequent rehydration results in the increase in peroxidase and catalase activities. Kinetic features of peroxidases and tyrosinases were characterized as well as the peroxidase isoenzyme composition of different fractions of the hornwort cell wall proteins. It was shown that the hornwort peroxidases are functionally similar to peroxidases of higher vascular plants including their ability to form superoxide anion-radical. The biochemical mechanism was elucidated, supporting the possible participation of peroxidases in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via substrate-substrate interactions in the hornwort thallus. It has been suggested that the ROS formation by peroxidases is an evolutionarily ancient process that emerged as a protective mechanism for enhancing adaptive responses of higher land plants and their adaptation to changing environmental conditions and successful colonization of various ecological niches.

Chemical Originalities of New Caledonian Liverworts from Lejeuneaceae Family

Lejeuneaceae is the largest family of liverworts in the world. Through the analyses of the chemical composition of some species, it has been demonstrated that they may represent an important source of original and bioactive molecules. None of the 146 species that occur in New Caledonia has been studied yet. Here we describe the terpenoid content of twelve New Caledonian species, including two endemics. We describe here, for the first time, the presence of frullanolide in the Lejeuneaceae, occurring as a major compound in the extract from Colura leratii, and a rarely observed santalene derivative from Acrolejeunea securifolia subsp. caledonica. These analyses also highlight species that probably contain original structures, such as Schiffneriolejeunea tumida var. hasskarliana, Cheilolejeunea spp and Thysananthus retusus. The results obtained here also confirm several previous hypotheses about the chemosystematics of the Lejeuneaceae. For example, lepidozene can be considered as a chemosystematic marker of the Ptychantoideae subfamily, considering its abundance in many Ptychantoideae. On the other hand, some results are different from those described previously. For example, we detected no fusicoccane derivatives in any of the Lejeuneaceae species analyzed here, whereas they were previously described as a marker of the Ptychantoideae. This suggests that the available data toward the chemistry of the Lejeuneaceae are not sufficient to be confident with some of the previous chemosystematic conclusions.

Polyacetylated labdane-type diterpenoids, ptychantins P-R from Chinese liverwort Ptychanthus striatus

Three new polyacetylated labdane diterpenoids ptychantins P-R (1-3) and four known compounds (4-7) were isolated from an EtOH extract of the Chinese liverwort Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Nees. Their structures were established by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR).

Functional characterization of a chalcone synthase from the liverwort Plagiochasma appendiculatum

A chalcone synthase gene ( PaCHS ) was isolated and functionally characterized from liverwort. The ectopic expression of PaCHS in Marchantia paleacea callus raised the flavonoids content. Chalcone synthase (CHS; EC 2.3.1.74) is pivotal for the biosynthesis of flavonoid and anthocyanin pigments in plants. It produces naringenin chalcone by condensing one p-coumaroyl- and three malonyl-coenzyme A thioesters through a polyketide intermediate that is cyclized by intramolecular Claisen condensation. Although CHSs of higher plants have been extensively studied, enzyme properties of the CHSs in liverworts have been scarcely characterized. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of CHS (designated as PaCHS) from the liverwort Plagiochasma appendiculatum. The gene product was 60-70 % identical with chalcone synthases from other species, and contained the characteristic conserved Cys-His-Asn catalytic triad. The recombinant PaCHS was able to catalyze p-coumaroyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to generate naringenin in vitro. Heterologously expressed PaCHS protein showed similar kinetic properties to those of higher plant CHS. The ectopic expression of PaCHS in Marchantia paleacea callus raised the content of the total flavonoids. These results suggested that PaCHS played a key role in the flavonoids biosynthesis in liverworts. Furthermore, when the thallus of P. appendiculatum was treated with abiotic stress inducers methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and abscisic acid, PaCHS expression was enhanced. This is the first time that a CHS in liverworts has been functionally characterized.

Identification of Sesquiterpene Lactones in the Bryophyta (Mosses) Takakia: Takakia Species are Closely Related Chemically to the Marchantiophyta (Liverworts)

Takakia lepidozioides has been considered to be the most primitive liverwort morphologically and classified initially in the Marchantiophyta (liverworts). However, the Takakia have been reclassified from liverworts to mosses on the basis of the similarity of the male sporophyte of T. ceratophylla to that of some mosses. Reinvestigation of secondary metabolites of fresh T. lepidozioides resulted in identification of eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones and hydrocarbon that are significant chemical markers of several liverworts. T. lepidozioides also produces a small amount of hop-22(29)-ene, together with coumarin, which produce the characteristic odor of T. lepidozioides, and 1,4-hydroquinone; these are the predominant volatile components, whereas dihydrocoumarin, 1,4-benzoquinone, dihydrobenzofuran, α-asarone and α-tocopherol are minor components. These chemical results indicated that T. lepidozioides is more closely related to the Marchantiophyta than the Bryophyta. T. lepidozioides is morphologically similar to the liverwort Haplomitrium species. However, both species are totally different chemically.

Bryophytes: liverworts, mosses, and hornworts: extraction and isolation procedures

There are more than 20,000 species of bryophytes in the world. Among them, almost of liverworts (Marchantiophyta) possess beautiful blue, yellow colored or colorless cellular oil bodies from which over several hundred new terpenoids, acetogenins, and aromatic compounds including flavonoids with more than 40 new carbon skeletons have been isolated. Some of the isolated compounds from liverworts show antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, allergenic contact dermatitis, cytotoxicity, insect antifeedant and mortality, antioxidant, nitric oxide (NO) production and plant growth inhibitory, neurotrophic and piscicidal activity, tublin polymerization inhibitory, muscle relaxing, and liver X-receptor (LXR)α agonist and (LXR)β antagonist activities, among others. The bio- and chemical diversity, chemical analysis of bryophytes including extraction, distillation, purification, TLC, GC and GC-MS, and HPLC analysis of oil bodies of liverworts are surveyed.

Pungent and Bitter, Cytotoxic and Antiviral Terpenoids from Some Bryophytes and Inedible Fungi

Most liverworts elaborate characteristic odiferous, pungent and bitter tasting compounds many of which show antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, allergenic contact dermatitis, cytotoxic, insecticidal, anti-HIV, superoxide anion radical release, plant growth regulatory, neurotrophic, NO production inhibitory, muscle relaxant, antiobesity, piscicidal and nematocidal activities. Several inedible mushrooms produce female spider pheromones, strong antioxidant, and cytotoxic compounds. The present paper is concerned with the extraction and isolation of terpenoids from some bryophytes and inedible fungi and their pungent and bitter taste, and cytotoxic and antiviral activity.

Chemosystematics of the Thai Liverwort Cheilolejeunea (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae)

Members of the liverwort genus Cheilolejeunea, on the basis of chemical data, have been divided into striatane- (I), trifarane- (II) and δ-lactone- (III) chemotypes. In this paper the sesquiterpenoids occurring in C. ceylanica from Thailand are described and the chemosystematics of Cheilolejeunea species are explored. Species belonging to type I produce striatane-type sesquiterpenoids, which have been found in many species of Lejeuneaceae and thus are considered to be one of the significant chemical markers of this family. However, to the best of our knowledge, the trifarane-type is not detected in any other liverworts. The lactone-type species produce chiroptical δ-lactones, with a milky odor.

Bioactive sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids from the liverwort Bazzania albifolia

One undescribed 6,7-secofusicoccane-type diterpene, albifolione (1), and one new aromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoid ketone, methyl 2-oxoaromadendra-1(10),3-dien-12-oate (2), along with four known compounds, δ-cuparenol (3), fusicoauritone (4), chiloscyphenols A and B (5 and 6, resp.), were isolated from the liverwort Bazzania albifolia Horik. The structures and relative configurations of 1 and 2 were established unequivocally on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. Preliminary bioassay revealed that compound 5 showed quite strong cytotoxicity against the human tumor cell line MCF-7, with an IC(50) value of 5.6 μM.

Distribution of Drimane Sesquiterpenoids and Tocopherols in Liverworts, Ferns and Higher Plants: Polygonaceae, Canellaceae and Winteraceae Species

The liverwort, Porella vernicosa complex produces a very hot tasting polygodial, a drimane-type sesquiterpene dialdehyde. The same compound has been isolated from two ferns, Thelypteris hispidula and Blechnum fluviatile, as well as from the higher plants Polygonum hydropiper, P. hydropiper f purpurascens (Polygonaceae), Cinnamosma, Caspicodendron, Canella and Warburgia species (Canellaceae), and Pseudowintera colorata, Tasmannia lanceolata, Drimys and Zygogynum species (Winteraceae). In addition, the liverworts and higher plants which elaborate polygodial and its related pungent drimane dials contain a small amount of α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol or δ-tocotrienol. The present paper gives the results of a comparative study on the drimane-type sesquiterpenoids in some liverworts, ferns and higher plants, and the role of tocopherols in these plant groups.