Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Asplenium ceterach

Asplenium ceterach L. (family Aspleniaceae) is a perennial herbaceous fern. The lower surface of its fronds is covered with scales, which over time mature to a rusty color, giving the plant a characteristic appearance, hence the common name “rustyback” fern. It inhabits almost all of Europe, including the Mediterranean region, and Central Asia to the Himalayas, usually occurring in cracks in rocks. Rustyback fern is belonging to resurrection plants due to its ability to withstand desiccation and consequently completely recover after rehydration. It is thought that high concentrations of phenolic acids (mainly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) enable A. ceterach to reduce the damage of reactive oxygen species formed during dehydration. In addition to phenolic acids, the presence of other phenolic compounds is detected in A. ceterach including flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and quinones. Phytochemical studies have shown that these phenolic compounds are mainly found in sporophytes of rustyback fern, while A. ceterach gametophyte is characterized predominantly by xanthones, primarily mangiferin and its glycoside. Additionally, rustyback fern represents a rich source of different volatile organic compounds, mainly lipid derivatives. Owing to the presence of various bioactive metabolites, it is not surprising that A. ceterach has long been known for its healing properties, and numerous studies have proven its various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anticancer, diuretic, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.