Anti-oxidant and anti-microbial study of Adiantum capillus veneris and Pteris quadriureta L

Adiantum capillus veneris (ACV) and Pteris quadriureta (PQ), two common ferns belonging to Pteridophyta family, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine against numerous human ailments since ancient times. This study was designed to analyse the presence of various phytochemicals in the ACV and PQ leaves and their pharmacological activities. The methanol extract of ACV and PQ leaves was screened for the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites such as proteins, lipids, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. Anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities were also analysed for methanolic extracts of ACV and PQ leaves using various methods. Various metabolites such alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the ACV and PQ leaves were found. Phenols and flavonoids were present in high concentration when compared with other metabolites. The results also showed that methanolic extracts of ACV and PQ leaves have anti-oxidant, anti-haemolytic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities. The pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-haemolytic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities of ACV and PQ leaves might be due to the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Key words: Adiantum capillus veneris, Pteris quadriureta, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, phytochemicals.