Phytochemical studies on five medicinal ferns collected from Southern Western Ghats, Tamilnadu

Abstract Objective To analyze the phytochemical constituents of five medicinal ferns Pteris biaurita ( P. biaurita ) L., Lygodium flexiuosam ( L. flexiuosam ) (L.) Sw., Hemionitis arifolia ( H. arifolia ) (Burm.f.) T. Moore, Actinopteris radiate ( A. radiata ) (J. Koenig ex Sw.) Link and Adiantum latifolium ( A. latifolium ) Lam. Methods The shade dried and powdered fronds (50 g) were extracted successively with 250 mL of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, methanol and distilled water using a Soxhlet extractor for 8 h at a temperature of 50–60°C (not exceeding the boiling point of the solvent). Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out according to the standard procedures. Results Among the twenty five tested extracts, twenty extracts showed the presence of flavonoids. Phenolic compounds are present in methanol extracts of all the ferns. Five extracts showed the presence of triterpinoids and catechins. Ten extracts showed the occurrence of sugars and reducing sugars. Fifteen extracts showed the presence of alkaloids. Tannins and saponins are present in eight extracts. Steroids occurred in all the twenty five extracts. Only three extracts showed the presence of anthroquinones and amino acids. Conclusions From this investigation, it can be concluded that the selected five medicinal ferns contain more bioactive principles. These potential ferns could be used as bio control agnets.