Mosses as Possible Sources of Antibiotics.

An examination of 12 species of mosses has indicated that three produce substances capable of inhibiting the growth of various bacteria and other fungi. The method of extraction included several solvents. The extracts were not consistent in their antagonistic activity against the various species of microorganisms, nor were those that displayed antibiotic action always effective against the same organisms. Results indicate unstable products as well as physiological variation in the mosses.