Molecular Insights into the Biomedical Applications of Plagiomnium affine (Blandow ex Funck) T. Kop.: A Promising Source of Bioactive Metabolites

Abstract

Plagiomnium affine is a species of terrestrial moss that inhabits mainly coniferous forests but also occurs in areas with other characteristics. It is very adjustable, being a commercially available aquarium plant and popular among enthusiasts. Despite its wide distribution in various habitats, its physiological and biochemical adaptations, ecological roles, and responses to environmental changes remain only partially understood. In fact, it is not known what biomedical applications lie in this species, which is relatively easy to cultivate in vitro, and its role as an accumulator of elements such as manganese or cadmium is largely ignored. This article reviews the current state of research on P. affine, focusing on available published data that can help illuminate the biomedical application of the species, highlighting gaps in knowledge and identifying priorities for future research. For this purpose, all available literature, regardless of year of study, addressing the indicated topic was reviewed. The report presents P. affine as a uniquely adaptable moss species rich in bioactive compounds of scientific interest, highlighting its application importance in modern science.

Keywords: Plagiomnium affine; bioactive metabolites; biomedical applications; bryophytes; cryoprotection flavonoids.

Figure 1

PRISMA flow diagram of study selection for systematic review on Plagiomnium affine research.

Figure 2

A clump of P. affine moss (A), unbranched (B) and branched (C) stems with spirally arranged (helically) leaves, and (D) rhizoids, as well as part of a rhizoid with a septum. a, unbranched stem; b, branched stem; c, leaves; d, rhizoids; e, septum.