Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Anti-Cancerous Activity of Hydrogonium arcuatum (Griff.) Wijk. & Marg. (Bryophyta: Pottiaceae)

Background and Objective: Bryophytes, the second-largest category of plants make up a considerable portion of biodiversity found in arid regions. This investigation aims to reveal the antioxidant capacity and phytochemical makeup of Hydrogonium arcuatum thereby enhancing understanding of its biological attributes. Materials and Methods: After the gametophytic thalli were removed from their natural habitats and thoroughly cleaned, extracts were made using normal procedures. Using well-established protocols linked to GC-MS, TLC and FTIR techniques, phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity and anti-cancerous activities were evaluated and results were observed. Results: Methanolic extract contained tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols, according to phytochemical screening. In contrast, a confirmatory test using the TLC method revealed the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids. Methanolic extract yielded the greatest results in the antioxidant experiment, followed by ethyl acetate extract. Caryophyllene, which has been demonstrated to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic qualities, is confirmed to be present by the GC-MS approach. At 1000 µg/mL, H. arcuatum extract showed the greatest cytotoxicity against HT-29, but not against HCT-116. At dosages of 50 and 100 µg/mL, it did not affect either of the two cell lines. Conclusion: The H. arcuatum has been shown to exhibit a highly significant increase in cytotoxicity against cell lines, because of its strong cytotoxic action. This suggests that it may be a valuable treatment option for colorectal cancer.