Medicinal mosses of Uzbekistan: Biochemical profiling and review of their ethnopharmacological uses

Mosses, a diverse group within the bryophyte division, have been historically used for their medicinal properties. Despite their global distribution and resilience to extreme environmental conditions, their medicinal potential remains underexplored, particularly in regions like Uzbekistan. This study provides the first comprehensive investigation into the medicinal mosses of Uzbekistan, focusing on Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp. , Funaria hygrometrica Hedw., Marchantia polymorpha L. and Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda . Using advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the study determines the biochemical composition, amino acid profiles, carbohydrate content, water-soluble vitamins and elemental concentrations of these species. Results revealed that F. hygrometrica had the highest total amino acid content, particularly rich in arginine, aspartic acid and tyrosine, while B. rutabulum exhibited the highest carbohydrate concentration (19.53 mg/g). Marchantia polymorpha contained the highest levels of water-soluble vitamins, including B and C complexes. Mineral analysis confirmed the presence of 41 essential elements, such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium, with cadmium and lead concentrations remaining below Uzbekistan’s safety thresholds. In addition, the study reviews traditional medicinal applications of mosses globally, with particular emphasis on those within Uzbekistan's bryoflora. These results emphasise the bioactive potential of bryophytes and enhance the knowledge of their biochemical characteristics, therapeutic value and uses in natural medicine.

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