International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies 2018; 5(3): 19-25
ISSN 2347-2677
IJFBS 2018; 5(3): 19-25
Received: 08-03-2018
Accepted: 12-04-2018
Shakir Ullah
1) Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
2) Hazara University,
Department of Botany,
Mansehra, Pakistan
Gul Jan
1) Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
2) Hazara University,
Department of Botany,
Mansehra, Pakistan
Farzana Gul
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Siraj Khan
1) Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
2) Hazara University,
Department of Botany,
Mansehra, Pakistan
Maria khattak
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Hameeda Bibi
1) Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
2) Hazara University,
Department of Botany,
Mansehra, Pakistan
Jan Sher
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Correspondence
Shakir Ullah
1) Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
2) Hazara University,
Department of Botany,
Mansehra, Pakistan
Phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic
activities of Adiantum capillus-veneris in Swiss
albino mice
Shakir Ullah, Gul Jan, Farzana Gul, Siraj Khan, Maria Khattak, Hameeda
Bibi and Jan Sher
Abstract
In the present study, the ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris whole
plant was investigated for Phytochemistry and in methanolic extracts its anti-pyretic and anti-
inflammatory activities by brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia and on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in
mice. The phytochemical detection showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phlobatannins,
saponins, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides was found in methanolic and ethanolic
extracts, while alkaloids, phlobatannins, glycosides and protein were found absent in the aqueous
extracts. Flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, phenols and terpenoids were found present in in the
rhizome methanolic and ethanolic extracts. The results of anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activities
revealed that the extract at test doses of 200, 400 & 600 mg/kg b.w produced a remarkable anti-
inflammatory activity at 3 hours with an inhibition of paw oedema of 21%, 33% and 40% respectively,
compared to the reference drug paracetamol (150 mg/kg b w) with an inhibition of 58%. Among the three
concentrations, dose of 600 mg/Kg showed a maximum inhibition Anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory
activity on carrageenan-induced in albino mice paw oedema. Fever was induced by injecting 10 ml/kg
(s.c) of 20% aqueous suspension of Brewer’s yeast in normal saline and rectal temperature was recorded
by clinical thermometer before and after 12hrs of yeast administration. By decreasing the rectal
temperature Adiantum capillus-veneris at a doses of 200, 400, 600 mg/ kg, showed significant anti-
pyretic effect. 600mg/Kg of plant extract exhibited remarkable antipyretic activity by decreasing the
rectal temperature of mice in 1 hr (38.06oC), 2hr (37.33oC), and 3hr (37.09oC) after treatment which
was higher than that of standard drug paracetamol (150 mg/kg) (37.240C). These findings demonstrated
that Adiantum capillus-veneris have remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities when
compared with positive control. The Adiantum capillus-veneris showed significant antipyretic and anti-
inflammatory activity in Swiss albino mice.
Keywords: phytochemistry; anti-inflammatory; antipyretic; adiantum capillus-veneris; swiss albino
mice
1. Introduction
Ferns and their allies are in a major division of the Plant Kingdom called Pteridophyta and
they have been around for millions of years. There are over 250 different genera and 12,000
species of ferns reported all over the world (Chang et al., 2011) [7]. One of the important
factors for the evolutionary success of pteridophytes it has been observed that pteridophytes
are not infected by microbial pathogens which may be the fact that they survived for more than
350 million years (Sharma &Vyas 1985) [30]. As per folk medicine, the pteridophytes have
been known for more than 2000 years and also been mentioned in ancient literature (Kirtikar
& Basu, 1935) [20]. The medicinal use of the pteridophytes was suggested by Ayurvedic
systems of medicine. In the Unani system of medicine these are also used (Uddin et al., 1998)
[38]
. Pteridophytes are resistant to microbial infection which may be one of the crucial factors
for their evolutionary success and the fact that they lasted for more than 350 million years
(Shinozaki et al., 2008) [32]. Inflammation is the complex biological response of vascular
tissues to harmful stimuli including pathogens, irritants, or damaged cells. It is a protective
attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process
for the tissue (Singh et al., 2008). The process of inflammation is necessary in healing of
wounds. Inflammation however, if runs unchecked, lead to onset of diseases like vasomotor
rhinnorhoea, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis (Janaranjani et al., 2014) [17]. Acute
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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
inflammation is characterized by classical signs edema,
erythema, pain, heat, and above all, loss of function. The
classical signs are triggered by the infiltration of the tissues by
serum and white blood corpuscles (leucocytes). Chronic
inflammation results in a progressive shift in type of cells,
present at site of inflammation. It is characterized by
simultaneous destruction and healing of the injured tissue
from incidence of inflammation. Fever or pyretic is defined as
the elevation of core body temperature above normal; in
normal adults, the average oral temperature is 36.98C
(98.58F). In oncology practice, a single temperature of more
than 38.3°C (101°F) or three readings (at least 1 hour apart)
of more than 38°C (100.4° F) are considered significant.
Lower temperature elevations in the very young or old and in
patients receiving steroids or other immune suppressants are
considered abnormal (Mackowiak, 1997) [23]. Phytochemicals
are naturally occurring chemical, biologically active
compounds found in plants, which be responsible for health
benefits for humans further these recognized to micronutrients
and macronutrients (Hasler &Blumberg, 1999) [13]. They
protect plants from damage and disease and contribute to the
plant’s color, flavor and aroma. In common, the plant
chemicals that defend plant cells from environmental threats
such as stress, drought, pollution, pathogenic attack and UV
exposure are called as phytochemicals (Gibson et al, 1998)
[10]
. Recently, it is clearly known that they have roles in the
protection of human health, when their dietary intake is
significant. More than 4,000 phytochemicals have been
cataloged and are classified by protective function, physical
characteristics and chemical characteristics (Meagher et al.,
1999) [24] and in detail studied About 150 phytochemicals
have been studied. Adiantum capillus-veneris belonging to the
Adiantaceae family is one of the most common and widely
distributed species (Singh et al., 2011) [34]. Ethno medicinally,
the genus has been used as tonic and diuretic; in treatment of
cold, fever, cough and bronchial disorders, as stimulant,
emollient, purgative, demulcent, general tonic and hair tonic,
in addition to skin diseases, tumors of spleen, liver and other
viscera and in treatment of jaundice and hepatitis (Abbasi et
al., 2009) [1].
2. Material and Methods
2.1 Collection of plant materials and botanical
identification
In the present study, Adiantum capillus-veneris was collected
in October, 2016 from district Upper Dir Shringle of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Province with the help of Flora of Pakistan and
already data present in the herbarium of Hazara University,
Mansehra Plant were taxonomically identified and placed in
the Herbarium of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan.
2.2 Solvent system used
For the preparation of crude extract of the Adiantum capillus-
veneris methanol, ethanol and distilled water was used.
2.3 Crashing and filtration of the plant
The dried plant was powdered with the help of electric
grinder. The powder were kept in air tight plastic bottles for
further phytochemical analysis. 10 gm of plant powdered was
retained in distinct conical flask and 90 ml of solvent i.e.
(methanol, ethanol and aqueous) was added to the powdered
separately. With the help of aluminum foil the flask were
covered and retained in shaker for 72 hrs for the shaking
~ 20 ~
purposes. After 72 hrs the extracts were filtered with the help
of Whatman filter paper and then through filtration process
plant extracts were removed (Pirzada et al., 2010) [28].
2.4 Phytochemical analysis
The plant extract i.e. methanol, ethanol and aqueous were
tasted for the absence or presence of phytochemical
constituents’ like alkaloids, tannins,Phlobatannins, flavonoids,
carbohydrates, phenols, saponin, cardiac glycosides, proteins,
glycosides and terpenoids (Soni et al., 2011) [35].
2.4.1 Tests for alkaloids
For detection of alkaloids, a few drops of Wagner’s reagent
(Potassium iodine) are add to 2 ml of all three methanol,
ethanol and aqueous extracts. The formation of reddish brown
precipitate showed the presence of alkaloids (Khandewal et
al., 2015).
2.4.2 Tests for tannins
For the detection of tannins Ferric chloride test was done.
Ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution was mixed with all three
extracts separately. Formation of blue green coloration
indicated the presence of tannins. (Kokate et al., 2008) [21].
2.4.3 Tests for phlobatannins
In test tubes 0.5 ml of all the three extracts was taken
separately, added 3ml distilled water and shaken for a few
minutes then 1% aqueous hydro chloride (HCl) was added
and boiled on water both. The presence of phlobatannins is
indicated by the formation of red color (Wadood et al., 2013)
[39]
.
2.4.4 Tests for flavonoids
For flavonoids detection, all the three extracts were treated
with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. red precipitation
formation of indicate the presence of flavonoids (Kokate et
al., 2008) [21].
2.4.5 Tests for carbohydrates
For detection of carbohydrates, 0.5 ml of all three extracts
were treated with 0.5 ml of Benedict’s regent. The solution
were heated for 2 minutes on a water bath. By the formation
of reddish brown precipitate the presence of carbohydrate was
confirmed (Bussau, et al., 2002) [6].
2.4.6 Tests for phenols
For phenol detection, 2 ml of ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution
was added to 2 ml of all the three extracts in a test tube
separately. Formations of deep bluish green solution showed
the presence of phenol (Dahiru et al., 2006) [8].
2.4.7 Tests for saponins
For the detection of saponin, in test tube 5 ml of all three
extracts were shaken vigorously. The formation of froth
indicated the presence of saponins (Rajesh et al., 2016) [29].
2.4.8 Tests for (Cardiac) glycosides
For cardiac glycosides detection, 2 ml of all three extracts
solution were shaken with 2 ml of glacial acetic acid than
added few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and
iron tri chloride (FeCl3). The formation of a brown ring
indicated the presence of glycosides (Soni et al., 2011) [35].
International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
2.4.9 Tests for Proteins
Xanthoproteic test: For the detection of protein, 1 ml from
of all three extracts were treated with 1ml of concentrated
nitric acid (HNO3) solution. The presence of proteins
indicated by the formation of yellow color (Rajesh et al.,
2016) [29].
2.4.10 Tests for terpenoids
Salkowski test: One ml of Adiantum capillus-veneris Hook
plant extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqouse) was added with
2 ml of chloroform and carefully added concentrated
sulphuric acid (H2SO4) along the sides of tube to form a layer.
The formation of reddish brown coloration indicated the
presence of terpenoids (Dahiru et al., 2006) [8].
2.4.11 Tests for glycosides
For the detection of glycosides, 5% of Ferric chloride solution
and 1 ml glacial acetic acid were added to 5 ml of all three
extracts and then further addition of few drops of concentered
sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The presence of glycosides was
conformed through the formation of greenish blue color
(Rajesh et al., 2016) [29].
3. Pharmacological Activities
Pharmacological activities was carried out in methanolic
extracts of Adiantum capillus-veneris plants.
3.1 Experimental Animals
Both sexes of the albino mice of weight about 150 g - 200 gm
were brought from the animal house of National Institute of
Health (NIH), Islamabad. The animals were supplied with
adlibitum water and standard pellet diet.
3.2 Drugs used and chemicals used
Aspirin (Bayer, Germany), Paracetamol (Glaxo Smith Kline,
U.K), were used as standard drugs in the experiment for
selected activities. Methanol 95% (Merck, Germany), Normal
saline (Immunasol NS, A.Z. Pharmaceuticals Co.pak),
Brewer’s yeast (Lewis Labs, U.S) and Carrageenan (Lewis
Labs, U.S)
3.3 Anti-inflammatory activity
Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema
Anti-inflammatory activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris was
evaluated using Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema. After
12hrs fast, mice were divided into five groups of six each.
Each animal was marked for identification and regularly
monitoring. Group I served as control group received distilled
water only, Group III, IV and V animals received 200, 200 &
600 mg/kg b.w of the methanolic extract of Adiantum
capillus-veneris respectively and 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan
into sub plantar region of rat’s paw, Group II, animal received
carrageenan (0.1 ml/kg b.w) and orally administered
(200mg/kg) aspirin as a standard drug.
3.4 Experimental Procedure
Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema anti-inflammatory
activity
An injection was made of 0.1 ml of 1 % carrageenan into the
right hind foot of each albino mice. The test group of mice
were treated orally with 200, 400, 600mg/kg b.w of
methanolic extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris 1 hr before
the carrageenan injection. Reference group was given (200
~ 21 ~
mg/kg b.w) aspirin. The paw was marked with in at the level
of lateral malleolus and immersed in mercury up to the mark
and measured by mercury volume displacement methods. The
paw volume was measured in right paw for 30 minutes
interval up to 3 hours. Finally the percentage of inhibition of
oedema was calculated.
3.5 Anti-pyretic activity
Yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in albino mice
Anti-pyretic activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris was
evaluated using yeast induced pyrexia in rats. After 19 hrs
fast, rats were divided into five groups of six each. Each
animal was marked for identification and regularly
monitoring.
3.6 Experimental Design
Group I served as control received saline only; Group III &
IV and V mice received yeast (10 ml/kg b.w) and 200, 400
and 600 mg / kg of methanol extract of Adiantum capillus-
veneris respectively orally; II Group Animal received yeast
(10 ml/kg b.w) and orally administered (150mg/kg)
paracetamol as a standard drug.
3.7 Experimental Procedure
The first group was given saline, the third and fourth and fifth
group was given 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of the extract,
respectively, and the second group was given as standard
Paracetamol (150mg/kg b.w.). Pyrexia was persuaded by
subcutaneously injecting 20% w/v brewer’s yeast suspension
(10ml/kg) into the mice dorsum region. 19hours after the
injection, the rectal temperature of each rat was measured
using a digital thermometer. For experiments only those mice
was used that showed an increase in temperature of at least
0.7 ̊C, at 1, 2, and 3 hrs after treatment the rectal temperature
was measured of the mice.
3.8 Statistical Analysis
All the tests were performed as individual triplicate
experiment. All the data are expressed as mean ± standard
error of mean (S.E.M., n = number of Experiments). The
statistical analyses were obtained by the one way analysis of
variance (ANOVA), followed by the Dennett’s test where
necessary. P<0.05 was considered Significant.
4. Result and Discussion
4.1 Phytochemical Analysis
In the present research work the phytochemical investigation
of methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Adiantum
capillus-veneris and Pharmacological activities of methanolic
extracts (Anti-inflammatory and Anti-pyretic) activity was
carried out.
4.2 Phytochemical detection in the leaves and rhizome of
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Qualitative analysis of Adiantum capillus-veneris was carried
out for the detection of alkaloid, flavonoids, carbohydrate,
phlobatannins, glycosides, saponins, phenol, terpenoids,
tannins, cardiac glycosides and proteins. The results showed
that alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phlobatannins,
saponins, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides was
found in methanolic and ethanolic extracts, while alkaloids,
phlobatannins, glycosides and protein were found absent in
the aqueous extracts. Flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins,
International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

phenols and terpenoids were found present in in the rhizome phytochemicals’ are present and the + indicated that low level
methanolic and ethanolic extracts. In these results +++ of phytochemicals are present and – indicated that the
indicate that the secondary metabolites present in highest phytochemicals are absent in all these three extracts plants
amount, the ++ indicated that the moderate level of (Table 1, 2 and 3).

Table 1: Phytochemicals detection in the leaves of Adiantum capillus-veneris in methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts
S. No Phytochemical test Methanolic Ethanolic Aqueous
1 Alkaloid ++ + _
2 Flavonoids + +++ +
3 Carbohydrate +++ ++ +
4 Phlobatannins +++ ++ _
5 Glycosides ++ +++ _
6 Saponins +++ +++ +
7 Phenol +++ + +
8 Terpenoids ++ +++ +
9 Tannins +++ ++ +
10 Cardiac glycosides ++ +++ _
11 Proteins ++ ++ _
Key: +++: present highest level, ++ showed moderate level, + showed low level - absent

Table 2: Qualitative Detection of Bioactive compound in the rhizome of Adiantum capillus-veneris in methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous
extracts
S. No Phytochemical test Methanolic Ethanolic aqueous
1 Alkaloid +++ ++ -
2 Flavonoids + +++ +
3 Carbohydrate +++ + +
4 Phlobatannins +++ ++ -
5 Glycosides + +++ +
6 Saponins + ++ +
7 Phenol +++ ++ +
8 Terpenoids ++ +++ -
9 Tannins +++ ++ +
10 Cardiac glycosides ++ + -
11 Proteins ++ + -
Key: +++: present highest level, ++ showed moderate level, + showed low level - absent

4.3 Pharmacological activities
For pharmacological activities methanolic extracts was used.
4.4 Anti-pyretic activity
Anti-pyretic activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris whole plant
was performed using brewer yeast induced pyrexia test (Table
3). In experimental mice subcutaneous administration
injection of yeast suspension markedly elevate the rectal
temperature after 24 h. Treatment with the Adiantum capillus-
veneris extract at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg
decreased the rectal temperature at 3h were 37.74ᵒC, 37.10ᵒC
and 37.09ᵒC respectively. There was a dose dependent
responses were observed in experimental mice. The
antipyretic effect started as from the first hour and the effect
was maintained for 3 hrs, after administration of the extract.
The dose of 600 mg/kg of extract showed remarkable anti-
pyretic activity when compared with positive control
paracetamol (37.24 oC).

Table 3: Anti-pyretic activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris whole plant methanolic extracts

Rectal temperature (oC)
Before Yeast injection After Yeast injection 1 hour 2 hours 3 hours
Drug Dose (mean ± SEM) (mean ± SEM) (mean ± SEM) (mean ± SEM) (mean ± SEM)
control N/S 37.64±0.26 38.93±0.01 38.19±0.25 37.87±0.23 37.59±0.15
paracetamol 150mg/Kg 37.10± 0.25 38.94±0.19 38.72±0.10 37.67±0.15 37.74±.03
Methanolic extract 200mg/Kg 37.07±0.21 38.66±1.0 38.41±0.26 37.61±0.22 37.10±0.9
Methanolic extract 400mg/Kg 37.01±0.15 38.52±0.10 38.06±0.31 37.33±1.20 37.09±1.43
Methanolic extract 600mg/Kg 37.07±0.15 38.63±0.72 38.68±0.18 37.53±0.86 37.24±1.12

4.5 Anti-inflammatory activity
The effect of Adiantum capillus-veneris whole plant on
carrageenan induced paw oedema is shown in the table 1.
After injection of carrageenan the albino mice paw become
oedemateous. At the doses of 200,400,600 mg/kg b.w the
administration of extract produced a significant anti-
inflammatory activity at 3 hours with paw oedema inhibition
of 21%, 33 % and 40 % respectively, while the standard drug
aspirin inhibited paw oedema of 58%. When compared with
standard drug at the dose of 600 mg/Kg the extract showed a
maximum inhibition of carrageenan induced mice paw
oedema. Data showed in table 4.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Table 4: Anti-inflammatory activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris whole plant methanolic extracts
Mice hind paw size (mm)
Before inflammation After inflammation 1 hour (mean ± 2 hours (mean 3 hours (mean Percentage (%)
Drug Dose
(mean ± SEM) (mean ± SEM)
control N/S 1.13±0.21 1.42±0.12
Methanolic extract 150mg/Kg 0.64. ±0.21 1.4. ±0.12
Methanolic extract 200mg/Kg 2.7. ±0.18 2.6±0.08
Methanolic extract 400mg/Kg 2.8. ±0.16 1.07±0.15
Aspirin 600mg/Kg 2.2. ±0.12 7.6±0.16
5. Discussion
The present investigations of phytochemical screening of
Adiantum capillus-veneris extracts shown the existence of
alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phlobatannins,
glycosides, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, cardiac
glycosides was found in methanolic and ethanolic extracts and
aqueous extracts. The Adiantum capillus-veneris also
effectively suppressed the inflammation produced by
serotonin induced by hind paw edema, which indicates that
the Adiantum capillus-veneris may exhibit its anti-
inflammatory action by means of either inhibiting the
synthesis, release or action of inflammatory mediators viz.
histamine, serotonin and prostaglandins that might be
involved in inflammation. From the above results it was
suggested that the anti-oedematogenic effects of Adiantum
capillus-veneris on carrageenan mediators-induced paw
oedema may be related to inhibition of inflammation mediator
formation. The results indicate that methanolic extract of
Adiantum capillus-veneris has potent anti-inflammatory
activity than standard drug. Histamine is one of the important
inflammation mediators and it is a potent vasodilator
substance and increases the vascular permeability (Linardi et
al., 2000) [22]. This study showed that all the doses of
Adiantum capillus-veneris effectively suppressed the oedema
produced by histamine, so it may be suggested that its anti-
inflammatory activity is possibly packed by its antihistaminic
activity. Yeast-induced fever is called pathogenic fever. Its
etiology includes production of prostaglandins, which set the
thermo-regulatory center at a lower temperature (Howard,
1993) [16]. So inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis could be
the possible mechanism of antipyretic action as that of
acetylsalicylic acid (Janaranjani et al., 2014) [17]. (Gietz,
&Akio 1988) [11] Suggested that there are several mediators or
multi-processes underlining the pathogenesis of fever.
Inhibition of any of these mediators may bring about
antipyretic. The present study reveals that the rhizome extract
of Adiantum capillus-veneris causes a significant antipyretic
effect in yeast-provoked elevation of body temperature as
well as normal body temperature in mice. Among three
concentrations of extracts, 290 & 600 mg/Kg of the extract
caused a significant lowering of body temperature, with the
effect being comparable to that of paracetamol. Thus, the
present pharmacological evidence provides support for the
folklore claim of Adiantum capillus-veneris as an anti-pyretic
agent.
Phytochemical ingredients which are present in plant samples
are known to be biologically active compounds and they are
responsible for diverse activities such as antioxidant,
antimicrobial, anticancer, antifungal, and antidiabetic
(Hossain & Nagooru, 2011) [15]. Wide variety of
pharmacological activities showed by different
phytochemicals, which may help in protection against chronic
diseases. Tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and
amino acids have anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic
~ 23 ~
SEM) ± SEM) ± SEM) of inhibition
1.91±0.49 2.47±0.62 2.68±0.17 …………..
3.9±0.17 3.1±0.62 2.9±0.49 21%
5.4±0.41 7.3±0.22 7.1±0.12 33%
5.8±0.14 2.2±0.22 5.7±0.27 40%
7.4±0.17 7.6±0.20 7.9±0.13 58%
activities. Steroids and terpenoids shows central nervous
system (CNS) activities and analgesic properties. Because of
their antimicrobial activity saponins are involved in plant
defense system (Ayoola et al., 2008) [4]. These
phytochemicals showed antimicrobial activity through
different mechanisms. With proline-rich protein tannins have
been found to form irreversible complexes (Shimada, 2006)
[31]
resulting in the inhibition of cell protein synthesis. (Parekh
and Chanda, 2007) [27] Reported that tannins are known to
react with proteins to deliver the typical tanning effect which
is essential for the treatment of ulcerated or inflamed tissues.
Herbs that have tannins as their key components are
astringent in nature and are used for treating intestinal
disorders such as dysentery and diarrhea (Dharmananda,
2003) [9]. Tannins and their derivatives are phenolic
compounds considered to be primary antioxidants or free
radical scavengers (Barile et al., 2007) [5]. These observations
therefore support the use of Adiantum capillus-veneris in
herbal cure remedies, thus suggesting that Adiantum capillus-
veneris has potential as a source of important bioactive
molecules for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The
presence of tannins in Adiantum capillus-veneris supports the
traditional medicinal use of this plant in the treatment of
different ailments. Alkaloid was another phytochemicals
constituent’s observed in the extract of Adiantum capillus-
veneris. One of the best common biological properties of
alkaloids is their toxicity against cells of foreign organisms.
These activities have been widely studied for their potential
use in the reduction and elimination of human cancer cell
lines (Nobori, et al., 1994) [26]. One of the largest groups of
phytochemicals as alkaloids in plants which have amazing
effects on humans and this has led to the development of
powerful pain killer medications (Kam and Liew, 2002) [18].
(Sparg et al., 2004) shown the inhibitory effect of saponins on
inflamed cells. Saponin was found to be present in Adiantum
capillus-veneris extracts and has supported the usefulness of
this plant in managing inflammation. Flavonoids, another
phytochemicals shows a varied range of biological activities
like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-
angionic, cytostatic, antioxidant and anti-allergic properties
(Hodek et al., 2002) [14]. Several reports are presented on
flavonoid groups which showing high potential biological
activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiallergic
reactions (Thitilertdecha et al., 2008) [37]. The bioactive
compounds such as tannins and flavonoids components were
present in the crude extracts. However, these bioactive
compounds were inducing the antioxidant and antimicrobial
activities. The amount of active components in the crude
extract may be diluted or increased their concentrations by
fractionation (Anyasor et al., 2010) [3]. For all living creatures
the nature has provided abundant plants which possess
medicinal virtues. The significant values of some plants have
long been available but a large number of them remain
unknown. There is a need to search their uses and to perform
International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
pharmacological and phytochemical studies to determine their
therapeutic properties the basic nutritional importance of
plants is assessed by their protein and carbohydrate contents.
oils, fats vitamins, minerals and water which are responsible
for the development and growth in man and animals
(Akinniyi & Waziri, 2011) [2]. Protein, fats and carbohydrates
are the important nutrients of life. (Haque et al., 2014; Nisar
& Scott, 2009) [12, 25].
6. Conclusion
The above results confirmed that Adiantum capillus-veneris
has better anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity. The
potential activity of the plant may be due to the presence of
phytochemical constituents. Some of these compounds
possess anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity. Further
studies involving the purification of the chemical constituents
of the plant and investigation in the biochemical pathway may
results in the development of a potent anti-inflammatory and
anti-pyretic agent with low toxicity and better therapeutic
index.
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