Acrostichium aureum Linn: traditional use, phytochemistry and biological activity

Background Acrostichum aureum L is an edible mangrove plant fern that grows mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This review was conducted to provide in-depth information regarding the traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activity of A. aureum . Methods Scientific literatures were systematically searched using databases including Google scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and ResearchGate for ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the plant. Its potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications as well as knowledge gap in A. aureum research were also documented. Results The outcome revealed that A. aureum is used traditionally across the world to treat several ailments including, non-healing ulcers, boil, wounds, snakebite, bleeding, worm infection, asthma, sore throat, constipation and elephantiasis. Secondary metabolites including, sterols, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phthalates, and terpenoids have been identified in A. aureum . Beneficial phytochemicals including kaempferol, di-(2-methylheptyl) phthalate, β-sitosterol, (2S,3S)-sulfated pterosin C, (+)-pinoresinol-4- O -sulfate, lupeol, α-amyrin and phytol have been detected and/or isolated in the plant. In vitro and in vivo studies also proved that various extracts and phytochemicals in A. aureum have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, tyrosinase inhibiting, anthelmintic, anti-diarrheal, analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-fertility, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-viral and wound healing properties. Conclusion The A.aureum could be harnessed for novel bioactive compounds that can be useful in the treatment of various diseases. Consequently, metabolomic and chemoinformatic analyses could be deployed to fast-track drug discovery and development from the plant. Moreover, safety and activity guided bioassays as well as clinical trials are needed before it could be recommended for clinical use.