Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro and In Silico Biological Studies from Ferns of Genus <i>Blechnum</i> (Blechnaceae, Polypodiales)

• Main Authors: Alfredo Torres-Benítez (Author), José Erick Ortega-Valencia (Author), Mathias Flores-González (Author), Marta Sánchez (Author), Mario J. Simirgiotis (Author), María Pilar Gómez-Serranillos (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

The genus <i>Blechnum</i> represents one of the most ecologically and therapeutically important groups of ferns that grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. In this work, the chemical fingerprint of lyophilized extracts of <i>Blechnum chilense, B. hastatum, B. magellanicum</i> and <i>B. penna-marina</i> species, the determination of their antioxidant activity through ORAC, FRAP and DPPH assays and inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BChE), and an in silico analysis of selected majority compounds on cholinesterase enzymes were identified. Nineteen compounds were recorded for <i>B. chilense</i>, nine in <i>B. hastatum,</i> seventeen in <i>B. magellanicum</i> and seventeen in <i>B. penna-marina</i> by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition were variable among species, with best results for <i>B. penna-marina</i>. Molecular docking evidenced low toxicities, significant pharmacokinetic properties, and significant binding affinities of the tested compounds for the AChE and BChE enzymes. These fern species show high diversity of bioactive compounds and represent a promising resource in phytotherapy, especially for their optimal levels of phenolic compounds that support their antioxidant activity.

Item Description

10.3390/antiox12030540
2076-3921