Phytochemical profiling and bioactive potential of Plagiochasma rupestre (J.R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Steph., a thalloid liverwort

The SARS-COV-2 pandemic is causing mayhem on people all over the world. Although, immunization is progressing quickly, its effectiveness against new variants is unknown. The virus has proven to be exceedingly resistant to treatments, and no drugs have been demonstrated to be totally effective against SARS-COV-2 antiviral. However, a few vaccines have been produced, but best option for now is to adopt preventive steps for now and future as well. In general, the use of herbs is emerging as the best ploy among all preventive measures to enhance the immunity as they have great antiviral potential and antioxidant properties. Bryophytes especially (liverworts) are well known to contain a variety of potentially beneficial compounds such as terpenoids, quinones, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, etc. In recent past, different liverwort extracts and isolated chemicals have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects; highlighting the potential of liverworts as herbal treatments and chemical manufacture for application in a variety of goods. However, due to their small size, difficulties in collection, and identification, the bulk of liverworts remain unknown, particularly in India. In this light, an attempt has been made to screen a commonly growing liverwort, Plagiochasma rupestre (J.R. Forst. and G. Forst.) Steph. has been evaluated for its phytochemical profile and bioactivity.