Abstract

The bryophytes contain the Marchantiophyta (liverworts), Bryophyta (mosses) and Anthocerotophyta (hornworts) among which the Marchantiophyta contain cellular oil body and they produce a number of terpenoids, aromatic compounds and acetogenins, several of which show interesting biological activity such as allergenic contact dermatitis, insecticide, insect antifeedant, cytotoxic, piscicidal, muscle relaxing, plant growth regulatory, anti-HIV, DNA polymerase β inhibitory, anti-obesity, neurotrophic, NO production inhibitory, antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The isolation and chemical structures of biologically active compounds and their total synthesis are reviewed.

Keywords: Marchantiophyta, liverwort, terpenoids, phenolics, aroma, bitterness, cytotoxicity, anti-obesity