Adiantum Caudatum Research Articles

Two New Species of the <i>Adiantum caudatum</i> Complex

The paper presents Adiantum indicum, A. malesianum and six other taxa variously confused under the Adiantum caudatum complex, together with the key, the table and the illustrations.

Epiphytic medicinal plants as reliable sources of therapeutic agents with enhanced pharmacological activities

Epiphytes are bioindicator groups of plant species that give important information on how the ecosystem support evolution of life in its habitat and to what extent this is achieved owing to their sensitivity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. The plants have been used for the treatment of non-infectious and infectious diseases including boils, wounds, ulcers, smallpox, diarrhoea, fever, colds, ulcers, malaria, and worm infections. They are also used to improve hepatic functions, treat rheumatism, diabetes, bronchitis, and enhance muscle tone. Some of the novel bioactive molecules identified in epiphytes include flavanthrinin, nudol, and fimbriol. The pharmacological activities of epiphytes were discussed following information obtained from databases such as Google scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Prota, Web of Science, Prosea, Scifinder Scholar, and Scopus. The review evaluated and discussed the ethnomedicinal uses of ten (10) epiphytes including Adiantum caudatum, Diaphananthe bidens, Nephrolepis cordifolia etc. The phytochemical factors of the plants (catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, alkaloids, and flavonoids) with their traditional uses were presented. Interestingly, these plants have shown significant medicinal properties including anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS Analysis of Methanolic Extract of the Fern Adiantum Caudatum from Southern Western Ghats

The present study was to screen the presence of phytochemicals in the methanol extract of fern Adiantum caudatum species by composed with qualitative and quantitative screening methods. In qualitative analysis, the presence of pharmacologically active phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, volatile oils and resins were screened. GC-MS chromatogram analysis of the methanolic extract of Adiantum caudatum showed 12 peaks corresponding to 12 different compounds. The percentage of major bioactive compounds were 2-Hydroxymethyl-9-[Beta.-D-Ribofuranosyl] Hypoxanthine (17.995%), 2-Undecene,5-methyl- (33.497%), Pentadecane,2,6,10,14-Tetramethyl- (14.977%), Nonadecane (7.588%), Dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl- (1.421%), 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-Hexadecen-1-ol (2.825%), Nonadecane (7.855%). The identification of bioactive compounds is based on the retention time, peak area, molecular formula, and probability.

INSECTICIDAL POTENTIAL OF CERTAIN COMMON FERNS ON RUGOSE SPIRALLING WHITEFLY, ALEURODICUS RUGIOPERCULATUS MARTIN (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

There is a search for plant based alternatives to synthetic chemicals to control pests in crop plants were started from any years back. In this study, the efficacy of common ferns to control the whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in coconut plantation was investigated. The whiteflies are prevalent throughout the year in the coconut fields and cause severe losses to the farmers. Ferns such as Adiantum caudatum, Hemionitis opposita, Pteris biaurita, Thelypteris meeboldii and Nephrolepis cordifoliawere evaluated for their efficacy in the control of the whitefly, A. rugioperculatus. The aqueous extracts of the ferns were screened at different concentrations viz., 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0% against A. rugioperculatus under laboratory conditions. Extracts from H. opposita and Thelypteris meeboldii showed the maximum mortality rate of 87% followed by Nephrolepis cordifolia (86%), Adiantum caudatum (83%) and Pteris biaurita (77%) at 5% concentration after 96 hours of treatment. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed a qualitatively increased level of saponins in H. opposita and T. meeboldii. Reduced chlorophyll, carbohydrate and amino acid content were observed in the whitefly's infested leaves and increased protein content was observed in the infested leaves. Based on the study, the aqueous extracts of H. opposita and T. meeboldii can be recommended for the whitefly control in coconut plantations

Total Free Proline Estimated in Some Selected Species of Pteridophytic Flora of Rajasthan

Proline, a well-known amino acid, has been estimated in ten different pteridophytes, including Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Adiantum caudatum L., Adiantum incisum Forssk., Adiantum philippense L., and Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) link. Christenh. in various organs such as the root, rhizome, and leaves Hemionitis anceps (Blanf.) Christenh., Hemionitis bicolor (Roxb.) Christenh., Hemionitis formosana Christenh (Hayata). Result of study is indicate that the maximum total proline in entire plant was recorded 43.54 mg/gdw and leaves have been recorded 24.10 mg/gdw in Pteris vittata subsp. vittata and the minimum value was recorded 3.60 mg/gdw in root of Adiantum caudatum L.

Phenetic kinship of eight ferns from Filicinae class based on morphological and anatomical characteristic

Filicinae is one of the Pteridophyta class with the most species. Thus, the different classification may occur for the same type. Consequently, it is necessary to simplify the classification; one of them is through phenetic kinship analysis. This study aims to identify phenetic kinship of eight ferns from filicinae class based on morphological and anatomical characteristics. The study applied descriptive and survey methods with a qualitative approach. Data was collected in August 2018 and analyzed using an Analysis Cluster method which is presented in the form of a phenogram. The finding suggests that 7 clusters are formed from 8 species of ferns from filicinae class. The closest kinship is shown in the species of Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) Schott and Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott which indicates that both species with the smallest taxonomic distance value have similar morphological and anatomical characters; while the furthest kinship is the species of Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) Schott, Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott., Davalia denticulata (Burm. F) ex. Kuhn., Pteris vitata L., Pyrrosia piloseloides (L.) M.G. Price., and Drynaria bonni. Crist., Adiantum caudatum L., Crypsinus enervis (Cav.) Copel.

Target and non-target toxicity of fern extracts against mosquito vectors and beneficial aquatic organisms

Dengue and malaria are significant mosquito-borne diseases that are rapidly spread worldwide, mainly in temperate countries. Pteridophytes were identified to be a significant source of novel mosquitocidal agents. The present research was to explore the eco-friendly larvicides from methanol extracts of ferns, viz., Actiniopteris radiata, Adiantum caudatum, Cheilanthes swartzii, Hemionitis arifolia and Lycopodium clavatum. The larvicidal potential of the extracts screened using larvae of dengue vector Aedes aegypti (III and IV instar) and malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (III and IV instar), showed 10–100% mortality rates. Biosafety assessment was made on embryos of Danio rerio and Artemia nauplii. The phyto-constituents of the methanol extract of A. radiata leaves were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Methanolic leaf extracts of A. radiata, A. caudatum and C. swartzii exhibited larvicidal activity against III and IV instar larvae of Ae. aegypti (LC50: 37.47, 74.51 and 152.38 and 67.58, 95.89 and 271.46 ppm) and An. stephensi (LC50: 70.35, 112.12 and 301.05 and 113.83, 175.30 and 315.19 ppm), respectively. The GC-MS of the methanol extract of A. radiata leaves revealed the presence of 7 phyto-components among which, Carbamic acid, phenyl-, (2-Nitrophenyl) methyl ester (1), Benzoic acid, 3- methylbenzoate (2) and 4-(benzylimino)− 1,4-dihydro-1-(p-toluoylmethyl) pyridine (3) were dominant. Biosafety assessment of methanol extract of A. radiata leaves on embryos of Danio rerio (Zebra fish) and Artemia nauplii (micro crustacean) revealed that there were no destructive or teratogenic effects. To conclude, the larvicidal activity and insignificant toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms of A. radiata leaves makes it a potential and environment safe biocontrol agent against dengue and malarial vectors.

Antimicrobial Potential of Ethnomedicinal Ferns of Southern Assam, India

Since ancient times traditional herbal medicines has been the basis of treatment for many ailments. Extracts of medicinal plants are rich source of unique phytochemicals. In the present study extract of 12 pteridophytes collected from Southern Assam were studied for antibacterial activities. The frond extract of these species was tested against five non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. The results obtained indicated that 6 ferns exhibited antibacterial activity against one or more organisms while the remaining 6 ferns did not show any antibacterial activity. The ferns showing antibacterial activity were Christella parasitica, Microlepia speluncae, Pteris multifida, Microsorum pteropus, Adiantum caudatum, Pteris vittata.

Antibacterial Potentials of Adiantum Species against the UTI Pathogens

The present study was aimed to screen the anti bacterial properties of medicinally important ferns viz Adiantum caudatum L Adiantum latifolium Lam and Adiantum lunulatum Burm against the selected UTI pathogens Anti bacterial study was carried out by disc diffusion method against the pathogens viz Escherichia coli Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus maximum degree of antibacterial activity was observed in A latifolium followed by A caudatum whereas A lunulatum showed comparatively less degree of antibacterial activity Further work will accentuate the isolation and characterization of active principles responsible for bio efficacy

Assessment of Pteridophyte Diversity and their Status in Gujarat State, Western India

An intensive field survey was carried out from the hilly regions, plains of different climatic regimes and agricultural land of Gujarat state. About 23 species were collected from Gujarat state, from which eight species viz., Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link, Adiantum caudatum L., A. incisum Forssk., Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw., Pteris vittata L., Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spring, S. delicatula (Desv. ex Poir.) Alston, and S. repanda (Desv. ex Poir.) Spring. were added as new distributional record for the Gujarat state. Increasing anthropogenic pressure, destruction of forest ecosystem and development of infrastructure facilities including road widening and rainwater harvesting program by deepening of the natural ponds are additional reasons for declining terrestrial and aquatic pteridophyte diversity respectively. Our survey concludes that E. debile is regionally extinct in the wild while Isoetes coromandeliana, will be lost from its natural habitat in short time if not conserved properly. Therefore, there is an urgent need of in situ conservation by developing action plans in collaboration with the state forest department.

Anatomical Studies of Selected Species of <I>Adiantum</I> L. in Kerala

In the field of vascular anatomy of ferns it is necessary to study the successive stages through which the fern passes during its development. This procedure not only determines the position, interrelationship and structure of the different vascular components of the mature fern but also shows indications of phylogenetic relationship. For understanding the anatomical features of three species of Adiantum L., stipe of Adiantum caudatum L., Adiantum latifolium Lam. and Adiantum lunulatum Burm., from Kerala were studied. The patterns formed by the protoxylem strands are surprisingly variable among species. A separate key was prepared for the identification of species based on anatomy.

EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE AND MICROCLIMATE ON THE DISTRIBUTION FERNS IN AND URBAN AREAS

The aim of the research is to explore the potential of fern species as natural ecological indicator agent to forecast microclimate changes in the urban area. Ferns which also known as pteridophyte are not only valuable in term of its ethno-botanical uses such as food and medicine but also useful in ecological values. Other than that it can be used to treat unhealthy environment such as absorbing methane gas, fertilizing land and treating heavy metal such as arsenic as well as can be used as a potential ecological indicator agent for microclimate changes. In this research, observation and measurement were made at two different environments which are natural environments; Gunung Jerai, Kedah and Lata Jarum, Pahang and manmade setting environments; Hospital Serdang, Serdang and Secret Garden, Kuala Lumpur. Interestingly results from two case studies of natural environments indicated that the distribution and abundance of fern species strongly influenced by differences in altitude. Twelve fern species were found at different elevations at Gunung Jerai, Kedah whereas 20 fern species were found at Lata Jarum, Pahang. Among the species found at Gunung Jerai were Selaginella willdenowii, Arcypteris irregularis, Adiantum caudatum, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Histiopteris stipulacea, Athyrium cordifolium, Osmund wachellii, and Cyathea contaminans. Whereas the species found at Lata Jarum are Dicranopteris linearis, Phymatodes scolopendria, Antrophyum callifolium, Arcypteris irregularis, Phymatodes crustachea, Selaginella willdenowi, Angiopteris evecta and Aglaomorpha heraclea. Another factor that influences the occurrences of the fern species is microclimate particularly atmospheric factor. Results observed from both case studies showed that light intensity, relative humidity and temperature also influenced the distribution of fern species. Therefore fern species are excellent ecological indicator which can be used as phytoindicator for unhealthy environment such as harsh environment or to predict microclimate changes at urban area.

Some Species of Adiantum from the Shivapuri National Park, Central Nepal

Four species of ferns belonging to genus Adiantum and family Adiantaceae were collected from Shivapuri National Park (ShNP). These were Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Adiantum caudatum L., Adiantum philippense L., and Adiantum raddianum C. Presl. Among these, Adiantum raddianum is reported for the first time from Central Nepal.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 26, 2012: 198-202

Comparative Analysis of Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Methanolic, Hexanic and Aqueous Extracts from Adiantum caudatum Leaves.

In the quest for new medicines, the methanolic, hexanic, and aqueous extracts of Adiantum caudatum leaves, obtained by Soxhlet extraction, were analyzed for phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. TPCs (total phenolic content) of the methanolic, aqueous and hexanic extracts were 27.7, 21.1, and 16.7 μg of gallic acid equivalents per mL, respectively, while TFCs (total flavonoid content) were 13.2, 11.6, and 10.0 μg of rutin equivalents per mL, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts in reducing power, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), phosphomolybdate and ABTS assays follow the same order of methanolic ˃ aqueous ˃ hexanic. In the DPPH assay, however, the aqueous extract exhibited a slightly higher antioxidant activity than the methanolic one. Methanol is therefore a better solvent to extract most of the antioxidant components from A. caudatum leaves. In lipid peroxidation inhibitory assay, the extracts showed almost similar behavior and their activity decreased gradually with time. The aqueous extract was the strongest inhibitor after two days, but the hexanic became the most potent after about three days. The antibacterial potential of the extracts was determined against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Towards all the microbes, the aqueous extract was the most potent and the hexanic the least. P. aeruginosa was the most susceptible strain, while the aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited a slightly higher efficacy against this pathogen than the drug amoxicillin. In conclusion, A. caudatum can potentially provide a remedy against disorders caused by oxidative stress and infections.

In-vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Adiantum caudatum Linn. and Celosia argentea Linn. extracts and fractions.

Objective:The objective of the present study was to provide an in-vitro evidence for the potential inhibitory activity of extracts and fractions of Adiantum caudatum Linn. and Celosia argentea Linn. on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.Materials and Methods:The plant extracts were prepared, first with cold maceration (70% v/v ethanol) and then by Soxhlation techniques (95% v/v ethanol). Subsequently, the combined extracts were subjected for fractionation. Different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/ml) of extract and fractions were subjected to α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The absorbance was measured at 540 and 405 nm using multiplate reader and the percentage of α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitory activity and IC50 values of extract and fractions were calculated.Results:Fraction 2 of A. caudatum and fraction 4 of C. argentea has shown highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 0.241, 0.211 and 0.294, 0.249 mg/ml, respectively, which was comparable with acarbose (0.125 and 0.93 mg/ml). Whereas, extracts and remaining fractions of both the plants have shown lesser activity.Conclusion:The results of the present study indicate that, fraction 2 of A. caudatum, rich in triterpenoids and phenolics and fraction 4 of C. argentea, rich in flavonoids, are effective α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitors, which may be helpful to reduce the postprandial glucose levels. Hence, further studies may throw light on the antidiabetic potential of A. caudatum and C. argentea, especially in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Adiantum Caudatum Linn., and A. Peruvianum KL. (Adiantaceae -Pteridophyta): Two New Records from Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Adiantum caudatum Linn., and A. peruvianum Kl. are reported for the first time from Eastern Uttar Pradesh. With the inclusion of above two species the family Adiantaceae (Presl) Ching in Eastern Uttar Pradesh is with 4 species.

Antimicrobial activity of some important Adiantum species used traditionally in indigenous systems of medicine

Adiantum Linn. of Adiantaceae family is one of the most common and widely distributed species. Ethnomedicinally, the genus is important and popularly known as “Hansraj” in Ayurvedic System of Medicine . It has been used in cold, tumors of spleen, liver and other viscera, skin diseases, bronchitis and inflammatory diseases. It is also considered as tonic and diuretic. In the present study its four important species, i.e. Adiantum capillus– veneris, Adiantum peruvianum, Adiantum venustum and Adiantum caudatum were collected and extracted with methanol. These extracts were tested for their antimicrobial agents against five gram positive, six gram negative (including multiresistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus) and eight fungal strains using standard microdilution assay. The maximum activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract of Adiantum venustum followed by Adiantum capillus– veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum. The methanolic extract of Adiantum capillus– veneris had very low MIC value (0.48 μg/ml) against Escherichia coli whereas, Adiantum venustum extract against Aspergillus terreus with MIC of 0.97 μg/ml. Total phenolic constituents of Adiantum species viz. Adiantum venustum, Adiantum capillus– veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum were 0.81% (w/w), 0.83% (w/w), 0.71% (w/w) and 0.52% (w/w), respectively (as gallic acid equivalent); implying that the observed activity could be related to the amount of phenolics.

Triterpenoids from Adiantum caudatum

Three triterpenoids, 8α-hydroxyfernan-25,7β-olide, 3α-hydroxy-4α-methoxyfilicane and 19α-hydroxyferna-7,9(11)-diene were isolated from the fresh fronds of Adiantum caudatum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Thirteen known triterpenoids were also identified from this fern.

Chloroplast movements in fern leaves: correlation of movement dynamics and environmental flexibility of the species

ABSTRACTThe movements of chloroplasts in response to varying levels and wavelengths of incident light were investigated in leaves of four fern species: Adiantum capillus‐veneris, Adiantum caudatum, Adiantum diaphanum and Pteris cretica. In all of the species studied blue light induced chloroplast redistribution resulting in face and profile patterns that were typical of low and high fluence rates, respectively. Fluence rate response characteristics and the kinetics of transmission changes accompanying these blue‐light‐induced movements were similar to those observed in the leaves of higher plants. Only in A. capillus‐veneris was the distribution of chloroplasts affected by red light. The response was of the weak‐light type, irrespective of the light intensity. The most effective fluence rate for red light was found to be below 7·2 μmol m–2 s–1 (1 W m–2). The effect of red light was far‐red reversible, indicating phytochrome involvement. Chloroplast responses were more dynamic in A. capillus‐veneris and P. cretica, the two species that exhibited higher environmental flexibility.

Indian Pteridophytes Used in Folk Remedies

The medicinal qualities of ferns, real or imaginary, are mentioned as early as 300 B.C. by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus (Corne, 1924a) and by his Indian contemporaries Sushrut and Char.ak. Dioscorides also speaks of brake fern, male fern, and others. Among the medicinal plants mentioned in old Indian texts, two are definitely ferns. One of these, called Myurshikha or Myurpankha, meaning peacock's feather, has been identified as Adiantum caudatum L. by some persons; others consider it to be Actiniopteris radiata (Swartz) Link. The other drug called Hanspad or Hansraj, meaning swan's foot, appears to be some species of Adiantum, most probably A. capillus-veneris L., A. lunulatum Burm. f. or A. venustum D. Don. In addition to these plants there are about 40 species of pteridophytes used as drugs. Of these Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott is included in the pharmacopoeias of many countries. In the 1955 Pharmacopoeia of India this plant is replaced by the allied species, D. odontoloma (Moore) C. Chr., D. marginata (Wall.) Christ, and D. schimperiana (Hochst.) C. Chr., and in the 1966 Pharmacopoeia of India by D. odontoloma, D. marginata, D. chrysocoma (Christ) C. Chr., D. ramosa (Hope) C. Chr., and D. barbigera (Hook.) Kuntze. Lycopodium clavatum is included in the Indian Pharmaceutical Codex (Mukerji, 1953) and in the proposed Indian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. Equisetum arvense L. is included in the U.S.S.R. Pharmacopoeia (1961) and in the German Pharmacopoeia (Wealth of India), and Puri (1969) has recommended its inclusion in the Indian Pharmacopoeia. The species of Adiantum mentioned above are used unofficially in some of the patented cough preparations marketed in India. The rest of the plants mentioned below are used in domestic and rural medicines.