Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant potential of rustyback fern (Asplenium ceterach L.)

Abstract

Asplenium ceterach L. (syn. Ceterach officinarum Willd.) or rustyback fern is a plant species traditionally used in Mediterranean countries as an expectorant, diuretic, against spleen complaints, kidney stones and hemorrhoids. Phytochemical analysis of gametophytes and sporophytes of A. ceterach was performed, followed by comparative analysis of phenolic composition and the antioxidant properties of the extracts (scavenging capacities against ABTS• + and DPPH•). Totally 16 phenolic compounds belonging to the classes of phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycynnamic acids), flavonoids (flavan-3-ols, flavonols), and xanthones were identified using UHPLC/DAD/-HESI-MS/MS analysis. Different phenolics' composition of the two phases of the life cycle of this fern was observed which significantly determined their radical scavenging activities. In sporophytes of A. ceterach considerably high amounts of chlorogenic acid were found (~21 µg 100 mg -1 fresh weight), while xanthones were the most abundant in gametophytes (mangiferin glucoside, reaching 2.54 µg 100 mg -1 fresh weight), recommending this fern species as a valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Implications of ionizing radiation on pollen performance in comparison with diverse models of polar cell growth

“…The major antioxidants in the Asplenium ceterach gametophyte are flavonoids and xanthones, in contrast to phenolic acids of the sporophyte. Zivkovic et al relate this quantitative difference in biochemical composition to differential radical scavenging activity, which is higher in the sporophyte though (Zivkovic et al, 2017). Marchantia polymorpha exhibited a higher radiation‐tolerance than most bryophyte species (International Atomic Energy Agency, 1992; Miller & Sparrow, 1965; Sarosiek & Wozakowska‐Natkaniec, 1967, 1968) and furthermore ranked among bryophytes with the highest flavonoid content (Wang et al, 2017).…”

Selective Anticancer Properties, Proapoptotic and Antibacterial Potential of Three Asplenium Species

“…The broad applications of A. ceterach , A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium in traditional medicine have been well described [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 , 9 ]. However, the research on their cytotoxicity and inhibitory potential against cancer and/or bacterial cells is insufficient.…”

“…It could be suggested that these effects depend on the biologically active compounds present in the studied samples. Phytochemical analyses of extracts from A. ceterach and A. trichomanes performed by different research groups have shown significant total phenolic contents and specific composition, determining good antioxidant and other biological activities [ 4 , 5 , 19 ]. Importantly, both species were shown to produce kaempferol derivatives ( A. ceterach : kaempferol 3-(6-malonyl)- d -glucoside, kaempferol 3-(6-malonyl)- d -galactoside; A. trichomanes : kaempferol 3,7-di- O -a- l -rhamnoside, kaempferol 3- O -rhamnoside-7- O -arabinoside), natural flavonols, which are highly regarded as anticancer molecules [ 5 , 20 ].…”

“…A. ceterach has been used for relief of spleen and kidney stones complaints, hemorrhoids, hypertension, respiratory and intestinal disorders, as well as a diuretic, expectorant, laxative, etc. [ 1 , 4 , 5 ]. A. scolopendrium has been used for the treatment of wounds, bleeding, myalgia, lung, liver and spleen diseases, inflammation of gums, urogenital system disorders, and as a mild laxative, diuretic, astringent, diaphoretic and tonic [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Enquête ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales dans le Parc national du Djurdjura et sa zone d’influence, Algérie - Ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants in the Djurdjura National Park and its influence area, Algeria

“…Asplenium ceterach est utilisé au Djurdjura pour remédier au déséquilibre urinaire et aux hémorroïdes. Cette fougère est utilisée en médecine traditionnelle dans les pays méditerranéens, comme expectorant, diurétique, contre les troubles de la rate, les calculs rénaux, les calculs biliaires, les hémorroïdes et pour traiter l'hyperplasie bénigne de la prostate (Tomou et Skaltas 2018, Živković et al 2017. Elle est de même employée pour soigner les maladies respiratoires en Espagne (Gonzalez-Tejero et al 2008).…”