Biochemical Profiles of Three Bryophytes: Sphagnum papillosum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, and Ditrichum gracile

This study compared Sphagnum papillosum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, and Ditrichum gracile in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), phenolic profiles, fatty acid compositions, and mineral contents. S. papillosum had the highest TPC (986.11 mg GAE/kg) and ABTS activity (9732.14 mg Trolox/kg). R. triquetrus showed the highest TFC (874.01 mg QE/kg) and was rich in protocatechuic (18 803 mg/g) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids (23.219 mg/g). Although D. gracile had lower antioxidant activity, it contained high lipid (6.71%) and ash (27.66%) levels, along with substantial potassium (73 573.86 mg/kg) and calcium (26 135.94 mg/kg) accumulation. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the dominant fatty acid in all species. These results demonstrate significant biochemical variation among the studied mosses, underlining their potential as sources of natural antioxidants, bioindicators of environmental stress, and candidates for bioremediation.