ABSTRACT
The aim of this review was to explore the pharmacological activity of early tracheophytes (pteridophytes) as an alternative medicine for treating human ailments. As the first vascular plants, pteridophytes (aka, ferns and fern allies) are an ancient lineage, and human beings have been exploring and using taxa from this lineage for over 2000 years because of their beneficial properties. We have documented the medicinal uses of pteridophytes belonging to thirty different families. The lycophyte Selaginella sp. was shown in earlier studies to have multiple pharmacological activity, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-Alzheimer properties. Among all the pteridophytes examined, taxa from the Pteridaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Adiantaceae exhibited significant medicinal activity. Based on our review, many pteridophytes have properties that could be used in alternative medicine for treatment of various human illnesses. Biotechnological tools can be used to preserve and even improve their bioactive molecules for the preparation of medicines against illness. Even though several studies have reported medicinal uses of ferns, the possible bioactive compounds of several pteridophytes have not been identified. Furthermore, their optimal dosage level and treatment strategies still need to be determined. Finally, the future direction of pteridophyte research is discussed.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Tracheophyta/chemistryABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the role of seasons on the phytochemical properties of Azolla microphylla.Methods:Dried and powdered leaves (50g) were extracted with 300 ml of methanol using soxhlet extractor for 16 h at a temperature not exceeding the boiling point of the solvent. Standard methods have been used to screen the phytochemical constituents. Conclusions: From the observations it can be concluded that the plant extracts show the presence of several bioactive compounds which could be exploited further.
ABSTRACT
Objective To make clear the resources of pteridophyte in Zhejiang-Dongqian lake area.Methods Field investigation, data reference and consultation to local peasants were adopted. Results There are 20 famines, 23 genera, and 26 species of medicinal ferns in Dongqian Lake area. Conclusion Medicinal ferns are abundant in Zhejiang-Dongqian lake area.
ABSTRACT
This article introduced the rich resources of medicinal pteridophyte and its conditions of geographic distribution,morphologic and cultural characteristics.Through the investigation,resource collecting and protection test on the important medicinal pteridophyte in Guzhou,it discussed the conservation and utilization of medicinal pteridophyte medicinal pteridophyte in Guzhou,and provided evidence for resource protection of further reasonable exploitation.