生薬学および天然物ジャーナル

Synergistic Effect in Antimicrobial Activity of Microscopic Epidermal Glands of Two Thelypteroid Ferns from South India

Abstract

Irudayaraj V, Paulraj K and Vincent PC

Pathogenic diseases are widespread across the globe. Due to the emergence of new resistant pathogenic strains, as well as the formation of side effects by the continuous use of commercial antibiotics, there is a pressing need to identify new antimicrobial agents from natural resources. Several reports are available on the antimicrobial effects of whole plants or specific macroscopic parts of the plants. However, several microscopic parts are well recognized as containing potential antimicrobial agents, which in turn, are accountable for the antimicrobial activity of the entire plant or some part of it. Interestingly, very limited studies are available on the antimicrobial activity of any microscopic part of the plant. In the interim, several studies are present on the antimicrobial activity of an individual plant or part. But studies dealing with the synergistic effect of different species are very rare. The current study demonstrates the outstanding antimicrobial activity of the microscopic epidermal glands present in the leaves of two primitive terrestrial vascular plants, Thelypteris parasitica (L.) Fosberg and Cyclosorus interruptus (Willd.) H. Ito (Thelypteridaceae: Pteridophyta), and their significant synergistic effects.