Phytochemical analysis and in vitro assessment of Polystichum setiferum extracts for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities

Ferns are traditionally used by some nations to treat rheumatism, lungs, gynecology, blood and digestion dysfunctions, and several others illnesses. The present study evaluates the bioactivity of methanol and ethanol extracts from Polystichum setiferum (Forssk.) Moore ex Woyn. in an Allium cepa test and disk diffusion test. In the Allium cepa test the methanol and ethanol extracts induced a significant time-related increase in the mitotic index. The tested extracts were non-mutagenic by used assay, with no occurrence either the structural or numerical aberrations detected. The extracts were also evaluated in terms of trace elements (by EDXRF) and qualitative composition (by UV-VIS, FTIR and total phenolic content). In the disk diffusion test, methanol extracts from leaves determined a small inhibition of bacterial growth for Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter freundii strains relatively to control sample (methanol). The ethanol extracts were more efficient, the diameter of inhibition growth zones measured from 7 to 10 mm, the most affected strain was Chryseobacterium meningosepticum.