Blechnum orientale Linn.: An Important Edible Medicinal Fern

Abstract

Blechnum orientale Linn. (Family: Blechnaceae), commonly known as ‘Centipede fern’ is an important edible medicinal fern in Malaysia. In addition to its use as a vegetable, the plant is documented in ethnomedicine to possess several medicinal benefits in treating cuts and wounds, stomach pain and urinary bladder complaints, typhoid fever and inflammatory diseases. The pharmacological studies have shown that the plant possesses numerous notable biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and wound healing activities. A few phytoconstituents have been reported from the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening reveals that the plant is rich with polyphenolic compounds which are responsible for its potential antioxidant activity. Further studies on this plant may bring out some new and interesting findings on its pharmacological activity.