Abstract:

In this study, five previously unstudied different mosses (Gymnostomum aeruginosum Sm., Grimmia montana Bruch & Schimp., Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay, Hygroamblystegium humile (P.Beauv.) Vanderp. & Hedenäs, Brachythecium rivulare Schimp.) were gathered from the north-west districts of Ankara (Beypazarı, Güdül, Nallıhan) in order to investigate their potential antimicrobial and antifungal properties. In this research, the antimicrobial activities of moss samples were examined by using the disc diffusion (DD) and agar well diffusion (AWD) methods. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of moss extracts which were obtained through methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, acetone, and chloroform solvents on Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (fungus), Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 (gram-negative bacterium), and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (gram-positive bacterium) using the disc diffusion (DD), agar well diffusion (AWD) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The moss extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial properties against all microorganisms tested, with inhibition zones ranging from 7.0 to 14.0 mm for bacteria and 8.0 to 13.0 mm for yeast. Based on the results, the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 strain was the microorganism most affected by several extracts from five different moss species. Furthermore, a significant finding of this research is that Grimmia montana Bruch & Schimp and Gymnostomum aeruginosum are more efficient than other studied moss species concerning their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Additionally, both moss species present promising potential for further research in related areas.

Keywords: