Cytotoxic Effects of Bracken Fern Constituents, Pterosins, on Sea Urchin Embryos and a Ciliate

Abstract

Bracken fern constituents, pterosin H, F, I, O, Z, B and V, were identified as factors inducing abnormal development of sea urchin embryos. These compounds were also found to have cytotoxic effects on a ciliate, Paramecium caudatum. Feeding experiments showed that they did not inhibit DNA synthesis of the sea urchin embryos in a specific manner.