GC–MS Characterization of Bioactive Metabolites in the Ethanolic Extract of Matteuccia struthiopteris (Edible Fern) Harvested in Nigeria: Potential Nutraceutical Applications

Abstract

Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly referred to as the ostrich fern, is an edible and medicinal fern valued for its nutritional and pharmacological properties. Despite extensive studies in temperate regions, limited data exist on its chemical profile in tropical environments. This study aimed to characterize the bioactive metabolites present in the ethanolic extract of M. struthiopteris harvested in Nigeria and to evaluate its potential nutraceutical applications. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was performed using an Agilent Technologies 8890A GC coupled with a mass selective detector under optimized analytical conditions. A total of twenty-two (22) metabolites were detected, encompassing fatty acids, fatty acyl esters, terpenoids, alcohols, ketones, epoxides, and anthraquinones. The major constituents were cholesteryl palmitate (32.10%), citronellol (28.76%), isopropyl stearate (6.33%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (3.71%). Minor components included phytol, squalene, oleic acid, and 1,15-pentadecanediol. The predominance of sterol esters and terpene alcohols indicates that Matteuccia struthiopteris  has strong antioxidant and lipid-regulatory potential, while the coexistence of fatty acids and acyl esters suggests protective roles in membrane stabilization and oxidative stress mitigation. These findings confirm that M. struthiopteris grown in Nigeria accumulates nutraceutically valuable metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory relevance.