Abstract

UNVEILING THE MEDICINAL SECRETS OF ADIANTUM INCISUM AND SELAGINELLA MARGINATA A COMPARATIVE STUDY

*Santhosh Kumar S., Prabhu V., Dhinesh V. and Suresh M.

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Abstract

Adiantum incisum and Selaginella marginata are perennial climbing ferns belonging to the Pteridaceae and Selaginellaceae families, respectively. These ferns are recognized for their various pharmacological benefits, primarily in enhancing digestion, increasing energy levels, and boosting immunity due to their rich phytoconstituents. In a phytochemical analysis of in vitro cultured Adiantum incisum using acetone extract, UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed peaks at 233.5, 278.6, 398.8, and 664.5 nm, which corresponded to absorbance values of 4.000, 1.941, 3.850, 1.779, and 0.446, respectively. These peaks indicate the presence of carbonyl and nitroso groups in the organic chromophores found in the plant extract. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the existence of carbonyls, alkynes, phenols, dialkyl groups, aromatic ethers, and aliphatic fluoro compounds within the extract. Regarding antibacterial activity, the acetone extract of in vitro cultured Adiantum incisum demonstrated the highest inhibition rate against Proteus vulgaris, measuring 15.16 ± 4.80 mm. The petroleum ether extract of the fern also showed significant inhibition against Aeromonas hydrophila, with a measurement of 13.66 ± 7.18 mm.

Keywords: Adiantum incisum and Selaginella marginat, In vitro culture, acetone extract, phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial studies.