Comparative Study on the Bioactivities of Adiantum caudatum and Adiantum hispidulum

Abstract

The genus Adiantum encompasses a diverse group of ferns widely used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. This study aims to comparatively evaluate the bioactivities of two commonly occurring species, Adiantum caudatum and Adiantum hispidulum. Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared from authenticated plant samples collected from natural habitats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and saponins in both species, with varying concentrations. Antioxidant activities were assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while antimicrobial potential was tested against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Additionally, anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using protein denaturation and membrane stabilization assays. Both species exhibited significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with A. caudatum showing marginally higher efficacy in free radical scavenging, while A. hispidulum demonstrated broader antimicrobial spectra. These findings substantiate the traditional use of these ferns in medicinal applications and suggest their potential for pharmaceutical development. Further studies focusing on isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds and in vivo assessments are warranted to fully explore their therapeutic potential.