Antibacterial Activity of Ceratopteris thalictroides: An Unexplored Wild Food

Ceratopteris thalictroides is an important pteridophyte having food and medicinal values. It is easily available near the coastal wetland and in lowland paddy fields. The local communities consume them as a leafy vegetable and it is also a food of herbivores. Therefore, an attempt has been made to gather the information and collect the plant from the coastal areas of Konark, Odisha, India. The survey was made in January 2021 and through Passport Data Form, the information was collected. Results revealed that plant species is used as food and to cure many diseases. The phytochemical screening indicated its medicinal potential. It was observed that antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Shigella flexneri was sound. The present study highlights an unexplored fern for future food and formulation of new drugs from it to fight against antimicrobial resistance.