Extracts from the Liverwort Bazzania trilobata with Potential Dermo-cosmetic Properties

Bazzania trilobata (L.) Gray is a leafy liverwort from the family of Lepidoziaceae, well known for its antifungal properties. In this study, the 70% ethanol and methanol extracts of B. trilobata were investigated for new in vitro biological activities of cosmetic interest. The results showed that the total phenol content, the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity, and the anti-collagenase activity of the 70% ethanol extract were higher than for methanol. The methanol extract showed mild tyrosinase inhibitory activity and antimicrobial properties towards the Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis. Lignans, coumarins, and bis-bibenzyls were the major classes of phenolic constituents tentatively identified in both extracts. In addition, a known drimenyl caffeate was identified in B. trilobata and its structure was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. These results suggest that extracts from B. trilobata could be exploited as an interesting new source of natural active ingredients for cosmetic applications.