Acrostichium aureum Linn: traditional use, phytochemistry and biological activity

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.

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.