Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extracts of Calyperes erosum and Racopilum africanum and their Powder

Bryophytes have gained recognition as an exceptional source of novel natural products, including secondary metabolites with intriguing biological activities. This study explored the antibacterial potential of bryophytes (Calymperes erosum and Racopilum africanum) as sources of novel natural products with significant biological activities. The antibacterial properties of these moss plants' powder and methanol extracts were evaluated against six bacterial strains using the agar-well diffusion and broth-dilution methods. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various compounds, including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and phenols, with Calymperes erosum exhibiting higher levels of these phytochemicals. Remarkably, the bryophyte powder exhibited more significant antibacterial efficacy compared with the methanol extracts. Particularly, Calymperes erosum powder at 1000 mg/ml demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli (80 mm) and Salmonella typhi (32 mm). However, no inhibition was observed when both moss plant powders were tested against Plesiomonas shigelloides at various concentrations. The results were compared with standard antibiotic discs, and all test organisms displayed sensitivity to Racopilum africanum (MIC < 0.1 mg/ml) and Calymperes erosum (MIC 1 mg/ml). This study suggests the potential of Calymperes erosum and Racopilum africanum powders as sources for future antibacterial drug development, highlighting their value in pharmaceutical research.