Unveiling the medicinal and ecological value of Ceratopteris thalictroides(L.)Brongn:a systematic review of its phytochemical and pharmacological activitiesOA

Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn (C. thalictroides), a fern from the Pteridaceae family, isan edible species that remains largely underutilized, even though it possesses a diverserange of applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of itsgeographical distribution, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical constituents,pharmacological activities, and ecological importance. Various phytochemical analysesidentified the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and fatty acids from C.thalictroides, responsible for its multiple pharmacological properties, including antioxidant,antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer activities. Additionally, itsunique antheridiogen activity makes it a valuable model organism for plant genetics andreproductive studies. This review systematically summarizes the phytopharmacologicalpotential and ecological significance of C. thalictroides. The plant holds promise as a sourceof novel therapeutics and as a sustainable bioresource for pharmaceutical andenvironmental applications.