The secondary metabolites of bryophytes and their therapeutic applications

Bryophytes, which include about 24,000 taxa and consist of mosses (Bryopsida), liverworts (Hepaticopsida), and hornworts (Anthocerotopsida), are the largest group of secondary terrestrial plants after angiosperms. Indigenous communities globally use bryophytes for various medicinal purposes, including antimicrobial, antipyretic, dermatological, hepatic, cardiovascular, and wound- healing properties. Found in diverse habitats, excluding oceans, bryophytes are significant sources of bioactive compounds, particularly secondary metabolites such as steroids, alkaloids, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds demonstrate various therapeutic activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti- cancer effects. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the ethnomedicinal uses of bryophytes and the therapeutic applications of their secondary metabolites. © 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.