Bioactivity of different Asplenium ceterach L. extracts

Abstract

Methanol (ME) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of rustyback fern (Asplenium ceterach L.) sporophytes were analyzed for antioxidant properties by thin layer chromatography (TLC)-based bioautography, using DPPH as detection reagent, and comparatively tested for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Bioautography assay indicated that rustyback fern ME extract had signif- icant antioxidant potential and moderate α-amylase activity, in comparison to the other extract used in the study. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of plant extracts against 6 bacteria and 6 fungi strains was assessed by microdilution method and the results are presented as minimal in- hibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentration. Both extracts showed significant antibacterial and antifungal potential against all tested strains, although in variable degree. The Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Bacillus cereus were the most sen- sitive bacteria, whereas the most sensitive fungus was yeast Candida krusei. Furthermore, tested extracts have shown significant capability to prevent Candida albicans biofilm establishment with no significant difference between the two extracts examined, and inhibition range of 72%–74%. The results of the present study highlight A. ceterach extracts as a significant source of bioactive com-pounds, which support their potential use against diseases caused by multi-drug resistant microorganisms.