Phytochemical analysis and biological investigation of Cheilanthes tenuifolia (Burm.f.) Swartz

Umme Habiba Juhi ¹, Heba A S El-Nashar ², Abdullah Al Faruq ¹

⁰Department of Pharmacy, Southern University Bangladesh, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

Frontiers in Pharmacology +

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April 19, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Cheilanthes tenuifolia, a fern, shows potential as a source of antioxidants and antimicrobials. Its extracts demonstrated significant free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and clot lysis activities, suggesting therapeutic applications.

Area Of Science

Ethnobotany and Phytochemistry
Pharmacology and Natural Product Research

Background

Cheilanthes tenuifolia (family Pteridaceae) is an ornamental fern found globally in warm, rocky habitats.
Many Cheilanthes species possess significant phytochemicals and biological activities.
Preliminary analysis of C. tenuifolia's bioactivities is warranted.

Purpose Of The Study

To conduct a preliminary phytochemical analysis of Cheilanthes tenuifolia leaf extracts.
To evaluate the free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and clot lysis activities of its extract fractions.

Main Methods

Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract (ECT) and its n-hexane (HCT) and chloroform (CCT) fractions.
Assays included DPPH radical scavenging, egg albumin and RBC membrane stabilization, disc diffusion, and human blood clot lysis.

Main Results

Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids.
All fractions displayed concentration-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and clot lysis properties.
ECT showed superior DPPH radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and clot lysis activities compared to HCT and CCT, though all exhibited mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions

Cheilanthes tenuifolia may serve as a valuable source of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-atherothrombotic agents.
Further research is necessary to isolate and characterize the specific active compounds and their mechanisms of action.

Keywords:

Cheilanthes tenuifolia anti-atherothrombotic anti-inflammatory antimicrobial membrane stabilization radical scavenging secondary metabolites