Untargeted phytochemical profiling and target prediction of <i>Pteris melanocaulon</i> Fée Fronds constituents

Abstract

The search for novel bioactive compounds has prompted investigations of underexplored plants with medicinal and ecological potential. <i>Pteris melanocaulon</i>, a tropical Asian fern thriving in metal-rich soils, remains largely unstudied phytochemically. This work presents the first comprehensive analysis of <i>P. melanocaulon</i> fronds collected from a decommissioned mining site in Marinduque, Philippines. Polarity-based solvent extraction and ultrasound-assisted methods were used to optimise compound recovery. Extracts underwent phytochemical screening, FTIR spectroscopy, GC-EI-MS, and LC-TQ-MS/MS analyses. The acetone extract showed abundant alkaloids, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Untargeted metabolomics identified several bioactive constituents, while FTIR confirmed functional groups consistent with polarity-based extraction. <i>In silico</i> target prediction linked metabolites to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and signalling pathways. The findings highlight the phytochemical diversity and therapeutic potential of <i>P. melanocaulon</i>, suggesting its prospective value in pharmacological and ecological applications.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Georgetown University US
• De La Salle University PH

Related Publications