Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of Fontinalis antipyretica, Hypnum cupressiforme, and Ctenidium molluscum

Abstract

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol extracts of the moss species Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. var. antipyretica, Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw., and Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt. were analyzed. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram (+) (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus flavus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram (-) (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) bacteria. Antifungal activity of extracts was tested using the following micromycetes: Trichoderma viride, Penicillium funiculosum, P. ochrochloron, Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger. The methanol extract of Fontinalis antipyretica showed the strongest activity against the tested bacteria and micromycetes. The antibacterial effect of methanol extracts was higher against the G (-) (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) than against the G (+) bacteria tested.