Neuropharmacological Potential of a Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) L.

Rabail Naz, Mohammed Alfattah, Mohsen Khormi, Emad Abada, Uzma Hanif, Chand Raza, Iram Liaqat, M. Remesh and A. El-Shabasy

Background and Objective: Perturbed neurological functions significantly affect the quality of life. Synthetic drugs may lead to improved neuronal function, however may seek to undesired effects. Hence, current study emphasized to determine the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of Adiantum pedatum as well as to investigate the neuropharmacological potential of ethanolic extract of Adiantum pedatum. Materials and Methods: To determine neuropharmacological potential, four groups of 20 Swiss albino male mice were selected and labelled as control, standard (caffeine 10 mg/kg), low dose (200 mg/kg) and high dose (400 mg/kg) treatment groups. Neuropharmacological activities of plant extract were evaluated by performing in open field, rearing, cage crossed, head dip, traction and forced swimming test. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was able to analyze the results of all used tests. In vitro anti-oxidant potential of Adiantum pedatum extract was investigated using DPPH assay, the phenolic contents were investigated. Results: The maximum phytochemicals were present in both chloroform and ethanol extracts. Results suggested that ethanolic extracts of Adiantum pedatum possess anxiolytic and CNS stimulant effect as an increased locomotor activity was observed during tests and also suggested the possible use of Adiantum pedatum in drug industry. Conclusion: Current study provides the neuroactive capacities of A. pedatum extract possibly through anti-oxidant means.

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