Antimicrobial Activity of Palustriella commutata (Hedw.) Ochyra Extracts (Bryophyta)

The present study describes the antimicrobial activity of 2 extracts of Palustriella commutata (Hedw.) Ochyra, collectedfrom the S.ndiken Mountains, Eskißehir, Turkey. These extracts were first prepared with acetone and methanol solvents underreflux. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was then assessed using the disc diffusion method against 11 bacteria, 1 yeast, and8 moulds. The antimicrobial test results revealed that the acetone extract had a potential activity against 9 test bacteria. While somegram-positive bacteria tested were sensitive (Bacillus mycoides, B. cereus, B. subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus), all gram-negative bacteria tested (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteraerogenes) were sensitive to the acetone extract. Both extracts were inactive against yeast and mould strains. The results presentedin this paper suggest the possibility that P. commutata possesses a new antimicrobial compound that has an effect against gramnegative and gram-positive bacteria.