Fatty acid chemistry of Atrichum undulatum and Hypnum andoi

Abstract

The fatty acid compositions of the moss species Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. (Polytrichaceae) and Hypnum andoi A.J.E. Sm. (Hypnaceae) collected in winter time were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as a contribution to their chemistry. Eight fatty acids were identified in the chloroform/methanol extract 1:1 of A. undulatum (linoleic acid, 26.80%, palmitic acid, 22.17%, alpha-linolenic acid, 20.50%, oleic acid, 18.49%, arachidonic acid, 6.21%, stearic acid, 3.34%, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid, 1.52% and behenic acid, 1.01%), while six fatty acids were found in the same type of extract of H. andoi (palmitic acid, 63.48%, erucic acid, 12.38%, stearic acid, 8.08%, behenic acid, 6.26%, lignoceric acid, 5.16% and arachidic acid, 4.64%). According to this study, the moss A. undulatum can be considered as a good source of both essential fatty acids for humans (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) during the winter.