Where do bioactive compounds accumulate in fern? A histochemical analysis of seven therapeutic pteris from Tahura Soeryo

Abstract

The majority of East Java people only use ferns as ornamental plants, even though ferns have potential in the medical field. The fern contains secondary metabolites, so they are often called medicinal plants. Anatomical observations supported by histochemical tests can provide the type of secretory structure containing secondary metabolites and the content of secondary metabolites accumulated in these structures. This study began with exploration in the Tahura Soeryo area in June-August 2019. The results of the exploration were Pteris aspericaulis Wall. ex J. Agardh, P. biaurita L., P. linearis Poir., P. quadriaurita Retz., P.argyraea T. Moore, P. muricella Fée, and P. mertensioides Willd. The rhizomes and fronds samples were cut across then tested with various types of reagents to test the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, and lipophilic with histochemical analysis. Secondary metabolites were found in secretory tissues, vacuoles, and cytosol rhizomes and fronds of parenchymal cells in Pteris. There were different secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and lipophilic produced in rhizome and fronds of Pteris. Phytochemicals and pharmacologist need to consider the nature of plant parts because they may affect the type of secondary metabolite production.