Chemical Profile, Antimicrobial and Anti-AChE of the Volatile Fraction of the Unexplored Bryophyte Polytrichadelphus purpureus Mitt. from Ecuador

<i>Polytrichadelphus purpureus</i> is a bryophyte distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It represents an underexploited source of bioactive metabolites. In this study, the volatile fraction (VF) obtained by steam distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID) on a DB-5ms capillary column, identifying 86 volatile compounds, representing the 97% of the volatile profile. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (23.6%), alcohols (15.6%), and alkanes (14.1%) were the major group compounds. Major components include (Z)-falcarinol (14%), hexacosane (4%), β-Curcumene (3%), and oleic acid (3%), among others. In addition, the volatile fraction exhibited moderate in vitro inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria (<i>E. faecium</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>), fungus <i>A. niger</i> at concentrations of 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively, and <i>E. faecalis</i> and <i>L. monocytogenes</i> (250-500 µg/mL) and a weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀: 392 µg/mL). These effects were evaluated for the first time in this species. While they are within the range reported for other plant-derived volatile fraction, they do not, on their own, justify claims of therapeutic efficacy. This study primarily advances our understanding of the genus Polytrichadelphus, suggesting potential as a source of bioactive sesquiterpenes for future phytochemical screening.