1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In ancient civilizations, pteridophytes held medicinal and cultural importance. In traditional Chinese medicine, ferns were used to treat various ailments including skin diseases, fevers, and parasitic infections (Wu, Raven, & Hong, 2006). Indigenous communities in Africa and South America also used certain species for food and healing purposes. For instance, the young fronds of Diplazium esculentum have been historically consumed in parts of Asia and the Pacific as a vegetable with nutritional and therapeutic benefits (Bunyapraphatsara et al., 2001). Pteridophytes, commonly known as ferns and their allies, represent an ancient group of vascular plants that reproduce through spores rather than seeds. These plants are distinct in their possession of true roots, stems, and leaves, and their ability to thrive in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments. As the first vascular plants to evolve, pteridophytes play a significant role in understanding plant evolution and development (Gifford & Foster, 1989).
Traditionally, pteridophytes have been regarded for their ecological contributions, such as maintaining biodiversity, stabilizing soil, and participating in nutrient cycling. However, their economic importance has become increasingly recognized in recent years. Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants due to their aesthetic foliage and adaptability to indoor and outdoor conditions. In regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa, edible ferns are a common part of local diets, contributing to food security and cultural practices (Bunyapraphatsara et al., 2001).
Sasidharan et al. (2011) articulated that, the increasing interest in pteridophytes in pharmacological research has further highlighted their significance as sources of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (Sasidharan et al., 2011). Pteridophytes are vascular cryptogams that include ferns and their allies, such as horsetails and club mosses. These plants are characterized by the presence of vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) but do not produce seeds or flowers; instead, they reproduce through spores (Raven, Evert, & Eichhorn, 2005).
Pteridophytes occupy an important position in the plant kingdom as the first group of vascular plants to have evolved, bridging the gap between non-vascular bryophytes and seed-producing plants such as gymnosperms and angiosperms. Beyond their biological and ecological relevance, pteridophytes also hold substantial economic importance. They serve various functions ranging from ornamental use, food and medicine, to soil conservation and industrial applications. For instance, species such as Azolla are widely used as biofertilizers due to their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena azollae), contributing to sustainable agriculture (Wagner, 1997). Therefore, this research study aims to examine the economic importance of pteridophytes, considering their roles in agriculture, medicine, industry, and environmental conservation.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that pteridophytes are rich sources of bioactive compounds, which is useful in developing treatments for infections and chronic diseases (Sasidharan et al., 2011). However, the majority of these species remain under-researched, leaving their pharmacological potential largely untapped. This knowledge gap limits the integration of pteridophytes into modern medicine and pharmaceutical innovation.
Additionally, the problem is not merely the underutilization of these plants, but also the declining interest in documenting indigenous knowledge and traditional uses of pteridophytes, which is vital for cultural preservation and sustainable resource management. Without intentional efforts to explore, educate, and promote the economic relevance of pteridophytes, their contributions will continue to be underappreciated and their survival threatened.
Furthermore, the ornamental and cultural value of many fern species is diminishing due to habitat loss, urbanization, and the absence of conservation efforts. Even though these plants thrive in diverse environments and are valuable for indoor and outdoor landscaping, they are rarely included in mainstream horticultural and ecological restoration programs (Page, 2002). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by accenting the economic importance of pteridophytes, promoting a better understanding of their roles in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental management.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to explore and highlight the economic importance of pteridophytes in various sectors such as agriculture, medicine, industry, and environmental management.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To assess the role of pteridophytes in agriculture, especially their application in biofertilization and soil improvement.
- To explore the industrial applications of pteridophytes in areas such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- To evaluate the ecological significance of pteridophytes in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
- To identify and document the various species of pteridophytes with recognized economic value.
- To examine the medicinal uses of pteridophytes and their bioactive components.
- To promote awareness and encourage the sustainable use and conservation of economically important pteridophyte species.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What species of pteridophytes are identified to have significant economic value?
- How are pteridophytes used in traditional and modern medicine, and what bioactive compounds do they contain?
- In what ways are pteridophytes applied in agriculture, particularly in soil enrichment and biofertilization?
- What are the industrial uses of pteridophytes in sectors such as food production, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals?
- What ecological roles do pteridophytes play in promoting environmental conservation and sustainability?
- How can awareness about the economic relevance of pteridophytes be increased, and what strategies support their sustainable use and conservation?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will be useful to researchers and pharmaceutical industries by shedding light on the medicinal potential of pteridophytes. The documentation of their bioactive compounds will encourage further pharmacological studies and possibly lead to the development of new drugs and herbal remedies.
Additionally, environmental scientists and conservationists will benefit from the study as it will emphasize the role of pteridophytes in ecological balance, erosion control, and habitat restoration.
Furthermore, the study will be significant to local communities and traditional medicine practitioners who rely on indigenous plant knowledge. The study will also inform policy makers and curriculum developers about the need to integrate pteridophyte knowledge into educational and environmental conservation programs.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study is focused on examining the economic importance of pteridophytes within Cross River State, Nigeria, a region recognized for its tropical rainforests and high plant diversity. The research will cover selected communities and forest reserves in the state, such as the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Cross River National Park, where pteridophyte species are naturally abundant.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
This study was limited to Cross River State, Nigeria, which meant that the findings may not necessarily represent the economic importance of pteridophytes in other regions of Nigeria or in countries with different climatic and ecological conditions.
The study was restricted to identifying and documenting known pteridophyte species and their uses within the state, without delving into molecular or pharmacological analyses of their bioactive compounds. As a result, the medicinal properties of these plants were not scientifically explored in depth.
The research was also constrained by time and resource limitations, which meant that not all communities or species could be studied in detail. Access to some remote areas was restricted, affecting the comprehensiveness of the data collected.
Lastly, while the study included interviews with local farmers, herbalists, and conservationists, the information gathered was based on their perceptions and indigenous knowledge.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Pteridophytes:
Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds. This group includes ferns, horsetails, and clubmosses. Pteridophytes are considered one of the most ancient plant groups and play important ecological roles, including soil stabilization, carbon fixation, and contributing to biodiversity (Raven et al., 2005).
Economic Importance:
Economic importance refers to the value that a species or group of organisms holds in terms of its contribution to human activities and well-being. For pteridophytes, economic importance includes their use in agriculture, medicine, industry, and environmental management. This can range from their use as biofertilizers and traditional medicines to their roles in controlling soil erosion and serving as ornamental plants (Hensleigh, 2016).
…
