Phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity of Adiantum lunulatum.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of fern adiantum lunulatum burm .f
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
P. J. Jenat and S. N. Suresh
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of fern adiantum lunulatum burm .f
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20183-10810
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study involves an investigation into the phytochemical content and antimicrobial properties of the fern Adiantum lunulatum. Historically, plants have served as vital resources for food, shelter, fuel, and medicine, particularly in developing regions where a significant portion of the population relies on traditional medicine. With an increasing focus on drug discovery from plants in the pharmaceutical industry, it becomes imperative to explore the medicinal potential of lesser-studied species like Adiantum lunulatum. This fern, belonging to the family Adiantaceae, is predominantly found in southern India and has been utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments.
Phytochemical Screening
Phytochemical analysis of Adiantum lunulatum revealed the presence of significant phytoconstituents that contribute to its medicinal value. The study employed various solvents—ethanol, methanol, chloroform, and distilled water—to prepare extracts from the plant. Results indicated the presence of critical phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and proteins, with certain compounds like tannins found in all but the chloroform extract. This broad range of phytochemicals underscores the potential health benefits of the fern, supporting its traditional use.
Antimicrobial Activity
The antimicrobial activity of the fern extracts was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against four bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Escherichia coli. The results demonstrated a noteworthy bactericidal effect, particularly with ethanolic extracts, which exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Chloroform extracts also showed superior activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while other extracts displayed effectiveness against Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli. The clear zones of inhibition highlight the fern's potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.
Medicinal Implications
The presence of various phytochemicals in Adiantum lunulatum is linked to a number of medicinal properties. For instance, terpenoids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, while tannins contribute to anticancer and antioxidant activities. Saponins offer immunostimulatory and anti-carcinogenic benefits, while glycosides demonstrate cardio-protective properties. Furthermore, phenolic compounds have well-documented effects in preventing pathogenic infections, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Collectively, these phytochemicals substantiate the fern's valuable role in traditional medicine and encourage further exploration of its therapeutic uses.
Conclusion
The research on Adiantum lunulatum affirms its rich profile of phytochemicals and significant antimicrobial properties, suggesting it as a valuable candidate for medicinal applications. The findings advocate for more in-depth studies focusing on the chemical constituents and clinical trials to explore its full potential in drug development. The exploration of lesser-known plant species like this fern is essential, as it can lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic agents that address public health issues. Overall, Adiantum lunulatum exemplifies both the diversity and promise of plant-based medicines.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Adiantum lunulatum?
The study aims to identify phytoconstituents present in Adiantum lunulatum and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against specific bacterial species, highlighting its medicinal potential.
What methods were used for phytochemical screening in the study?
Phytochemical screening involved using various solvents (ethanol, methanol, chloroform, aqueous) and standard tests to identify the presence of compounds like phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, and glycosides.
Which bacteria were tested for antimicrobial activity in the research?
The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method.
What were the major findings regarding phytochemicals in the fern?
The fern extracts contained several phytochemicals including phenols, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and proteins, indicating its potential medicinal applications.
How effective were the fern extracts against the tested bacteria?
Ethanolic extract showed the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while chloroform extracts performed well against Escherichia coli, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects.
What medicinal properties are associated with the phytochemicals found?
The phytochemicals in Adiantum lunulatum exhibit various medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and potential anticancer activities, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity of Adiantum lunulatum.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the natural chemical compounds found in plants that contribute to their color, flavor, and disease resistance. These compounds, such as phenols, terpenoids, and glycosides, are known for their medicinal properties, offering potential health benefits like antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, which are crucial in the development of new remedies.
2) Activity:
Activity usually refers to the ability of a substance to produce a desired effect in biological systems. In the context of this study, it implies the effectiveness of phytochemicals from the fern in inhibiting bacterial growth, thus playing an important role in evaluating the medicinal potential of plant extracts.
3) Water:
Water serves as a vital solvent in the extraction of phytochemicals from plant materials. In this study, aqueous extracts were prepared to analyze the presence of various bioactive compounds. Water is crucial for life and acts as a medium for many biochemical reactions essential for plant and animal health.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the properties of substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria. In this study, the fern Adiantum lunulatum exhibited antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria. Understanding antibacterial properties is important for developing new treatments for infections and enhancing the effectiveness of existing pharmaceutical compounds.
5) Aureus:
Aureus refers specifically to Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium known for causing a range of infections in humans, from skin infections to more serious conditions. Its presence in the study emphasizes the need to explore plant extracts, such as those from Adiantum lunulatum, as potential alternative treatment options for combating resistant bacterial strains.
6) Table:
In this context, 'Table' refers to a structured presentation of data summarizing the results concerning the presence of phytochemicals and their antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. Tables are essential for organizing complex data clearly and concisely, facilitating easy comparison of results and enhancing the understanding of study findings.
7) Study (Studying):
Study denotes the systematic investigation and research undertaken to explore the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial efficacy of the fern Adiantum lunulatum. Conducting studies is fundamental in science, allowing researchers to validate hypotheses, discover new knowledge, and establish a foundation for potential applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals.
8) Drug:
Drugs refers to substances that can modify physiological functions in the body. The exploration of phytochemicals from plants like Adiantum lunulatum signals a potential avenue in drug development aimed at creating novel therapies, particularly in the light of increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics among bacteria.
9) Narayana (Nara-ayana, Nara-yana):
Narayana, as mentioned in the study, refers to the Sree Narayana Guru College, where the research was conducted. This institution plays a crucial role in supporting scientific research and education in the field of biotechnology, thereby contributing to advancements in medicine and health through studies such as this one.
10) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The study emphasizes the significance of exploring medicinal plants like Adiantum lunulatum for their therapeutic properties, contributing to the field of medicine by offering alternatives to conventional drugs, particularly in developing scenarios with limited access to healthcare.
11) Field:
Field indicates an area of study or professional practice. In this context, it pertains to the field of pharmaceutical research and biotechnology, underscoring the increasing interest in exploring and validating traditional plant-based medicines for their potential use in modern healthcare solutions.
12) Guru:
Guru refers to a teacher or an esteemed leader in a specific field. The Sree Narayana Guru College emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship in biotechnology research, fostering an environment that nurtures new generations of scientists dedicated to advancing knowledge in health and medicine.
13) Developing:
Developing typically relates to nations or regions that are in the progress of improving their social and economic conditions. This study highlights the dependence of populations in developing countries on traditional herbal remedies, reinforcing the need for research to validate and enhance plant-based therapies for better health outcomes.
14) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamilnadu is a state in southern India where the fern Adiantum lunulatum was studied. Recognizing the geographical context is essential as local flora often play crucial roles in traditional medicine. Understanding regional النباتات provides insights into unique medicinal properties of plants native to diverse ecological conditions.
15) Disease:
Diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that disrupt normal body functions, often leading to illness. This research focuses on the potential of fern extracts to combat bacterial diseases, stressing the relevance of traditional medicinal flora in providing alternatives to synthetic drugs in managing various health conditions.
16) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed. In the research, understanding the specific species of bacteria tested, like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, is crucial for evaluating the antimicrobial potential of plant extracts and their applicability in real-world medical scenarios.
17) Family:
Family is a taxonomic rank in biological classification that groups related organisms. Adiantum lunulatum belongs to the family Adiantaceae, indicating its shared traits with other ferns. Recognizing plant classifications is essential in ethnobotanical studies since related species may have similar medicinal properties, enhancing the scope for research and utilization.
18) Powder:
Powder indicates the form in which the fern was processed during the study. After drying the plant material, it was ground into a fine powder to maximize the surface area for extraction of phytochemical compounds. This processing step is critical for ensuring effective extraction and subsequent analysis of bioactive components.
19) India:
India is the nation where this research was conducted and is notable for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicine practices. The nation's vast array of medicinal plants, including Adiantum lunulatum, signifies the potential of indigenous flora for natural therapies, highlighting the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.
20) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is a symptom that can be associated with various medical conditions, such as ulcers or infections. The study notes that Adiantum lunulatum has been used traditionally to treat conditions associated with burning sensations, demonstrating the relevance of ethnomedicine in understanding the relationships between symptoms and plant-derived treatments.
21) Discussion:
Discussion in a research paper refers to the section where findings are interpreted and related to existing knowledge. It provides context for the results, highlights implications for future research, and addresses the significance of the study's findings in understanding the therapeutic potential of the examined plant extracts.
22) Snake-bite:
Snake-bite refers to a medical emergency resulting from venomous snake encounters. The study mentions traditional uses of Adiantum lunulatum in treating snake-bite symptoms, emphasizing the importance of investigating such plants for possible antidotes or supportive treatments in cases of poisoning by venomous snakes.
23) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burning, in a medical context, often describes a sensation or feeling typically associated with irritation, inflammation, or injury to tissues. The study highlights plant applications for relieving such symptoms, indicating important roles for medicinal plants in traditional and modern therapeutic practices to alleviate discomfort caused by various ailments.
24) Animal:
Animal, referring to multicellular organisms that are typically motile and responsive to their environment, underscores the broad scope of research implications. The study indicates that plant-derived medicines may hold significant potential not just for humans but also for treating ailments in animals, thereby enhancing veterinary care.
25) Medium:
Medium generally refers to the substance or environment in which organisms grow and interact. In this research, it refers specifically to the agar medium used for culturing bacteria and testing the antibacterial properties of fern extracts. Proper medium selection is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable results in microbiological studies.
26) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the act of placing a substance into a space, such as the wells created in agar plates filled with plant extracts for antibacterial testing. This methodological step is critical in ensuring that bacterial cultures are consistently exposed to the extracts being tested, thus influencing experimental outcomes.
27) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to an open sore on a body surface, often associated with pain and irritation. The study identifies the traditional use of Adiantum lunulatum for treating ulcers, emphasizing the need for scientific validation of folk remedies, potentially leading to new therapeutic options for ulcer treatment.
28) Food:
Food consists of substances consumed to provide nutritional support to the body. In traditional medicine, certain plants are recognized not just as remedies but also as food sources. The role of plants like Adiantum lunulatum emphasizes the intersection of nutrition and therapeutic benefit in ethnopharmacology, highlighting holistic health approaches.
29) Pain:
Pain is a complex subjective experience often serving as a warning signal indicating injury or illness. The connection between plant extracts and pain relief, particularly in traditional medicine, underscores the importance of exploring local phytochemistry for potential analgesic properties, offering alternative pathways for pain management in both humans and animals.
30) Wind:
Wind, in a botanical context, may refer to external environmental factors influencing plant growth and distribution. While not directly related to the study's focus, understanding wind as part of the ecological framework can provide insights into how climatic conditions affect the growth, medicinal properties, and bioavailability of plant species studied.
31) Soil:
Soil is crucial for plant growth, providing nutrients, water, and a habitat for root systems. In the context of this research, soil quality impacts the medicinal properties of plants like Adiantum lunulatum. Recognizing the relationship between soil health and phytochemical profiles can enhance understanding of effective cultivation practices for medicinal plants.