Antioxidant Profiling, Phytochemical Investigation and Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Nephrolepis biserrata (SW.) Schott (Nephrolepidaceae)

Natural product chemistry has contributed immensely to the discovery of bioactive compounds and the development of pharmaceutical agents. In this study, the ethanol extract ofNephrolepis biserrata L. was evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening was done. The proximate composition was also determined. The antioxidant property was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The phytochemical analysis of the ethanol fraction was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Macroscopy and microscopy of the plant were done using standard methods. The preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of active chemical constituents such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The quantification showed that the ethanol extract ofN. biserrata is rich in phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid contents. The proximate analysis showed that the ethanol extract ofN. biserrata has high crude fat content and a significant amount of crude protein and fiber. The antioxidant assays suggested that the extract contains antioxidant compounds. Microscopy of the plant showed a diacytic type of stomata, irregular epidermal cells, and a conspicuous absence of trichomes. The leave type is simple and alternately arranged with sori present on the serrated margin. Venation is pinnate, apex is acuminate while the base is oblong. The results demonstrated that the ethanol extract ofN. biserratarepresents a good source of antioxidants that could be used in the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmacognostic parameters could also serve to identify and authenticate the plant among other ferns.