Antioxidant And Acetylycholinestrase Inhibitory Potential Of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris Linn.: Validation Of Its Rasayana Potential

Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as maidenhair fern, is recognized in Ayurvedic medicine as a potent Rasayana, attributed with rejuvenating properties. This study aimed to validate its traditional claim of enhancing mental capabilities by investigating the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of the plant's aerial parts. The aerial parts were extracted using various solvents. However, 50% hydroalcoholic extract demonstrated the highest total flavonoid content (18.2 ± 2.33 mg/g) and significant antioxidant activities in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and TBRAS assays, achieving inhibition rates of 90.16%, 92.71%, 90.10%, and 89.45% at 1.0 mg/ml, respectively. Further, fractionation of the active extract yielded 21 fractions, out of which six fractions showed notable antioxidant and AChE inhibitory potential. The highest antioxidant activity and AChE inhibitory potential were reported with fraction 13. The presence of quercetin was confirmed in the most active fraction 13, suggesting its role in mediating the observed bioactivities. These findings support the potential therapeutic applications of A. capillus-veneris in managing cognitive disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease, and highlight the need for further exploration of its bioactive constituents using different in vivo models.