Localization of the active principles of the male fern (Dryopteris filixmas (L.) Schott.) by fluorescence microscopy

The active principles of the male fern, Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott., consisting of a mixture of phloroglucinol derivatives called “crude filicin”, are localized by means of fluorescence microscopy under U.V. 365 nm and monochromatic blue 435-490 nm lights.

Crude filicin is autofluorescent, and therefore may be easily localized in the internal glandular hairs of the intercellular spaces of rhizome and leaf bases parenchyma, without pre-treatment of sections.

Localization is confirmed both morphologically and chemically, and is possible on a fresh material, as well as on a desiccated one.

The test allows also a complete anatomical examination of sections, and may be useful, for its easiness and quickness, in further taxonomic or pharmacognostic studies.