Impact of seasons on some biochemical parameters in three adiantoid ferns

Chlorophylls, carbohydrates, carotenoids, total free amino acids, total free phenols, and total free proline were measured in different parts of Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Adiantum incisum Forssk. and Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f. in summer (April – June), rainy (July – October) and winter (November – February) seasons. Among the three species, A. incisum contains the highest amount of these metabolites. Significant differences of primary and secondary metabolites were observed in different parts of the same species. Seasonal impacts on the change of quantity of the metabolites were distinctly evident. Relative water content of the leaf tissue was more in winter in all the species, maximum being in A. lunulatum. Rainy season was found to be the best time for harvest of raw materials for herbal drug purpose as phenol content was found to be highest in this season.