Fatty acids of Rhodobryum ontariense (Bryaceae).

The chemical composition of Rhodobryum ontariense (Kindb.) Kindb. has not been previously investigated. Fatty acids of this moss were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively with an aim to identify its corresponding pattern. A total of eight fatty acids were identified including two acetylenic ones: 9,12,15-octadecatrien-6-ynoic acid (42.26%), α-linolenic acid (20.32%), palmitic acid (14.31%), 9,12-octadecadienoic-6-ynoic acid (13.31%), linoleic acid (5.25%), oleic acid (2.47%), stearic acid (1.14%) and γ-linolenic acid (0.92%). To our knowledge, this is the first record of acetylenic fatty acids in the genus Rhodobryum. In general, acetylenic fatty acids vary considerably among different moss groups and have been used as a chemotaxonomic character in bryophyte classifications. Other species of Rhodobryum from Asia have been traditionally used in ethno medicine by indigenous cultures. Two fatty acids of those reported here, 9,12,15-octadecatrien-6-ynoic and α-linolenic acid, have known cardio protective activity, which supports respective claims of traditional herbal use of these mosses.