Preliminary determination of Caudatoside from Pterosin A in Hypolepis parallelogramma (Kuntze) C. Presl, a fern consumed in Napo, Ecuador

Authors

Kevin Stwart Tulcanaza Ruiz, Universidad Regional Amazónica, IKIAM; Noroska G.S. Mogollón, Universidad Regional Amazónica, IKIAM; Melany Ochoa, Universidad Regional Amazónica, IKIAM; Silvia Alejandra Llerena Gordillo, Grupo de investigación Ecosistemas Tropicales y cambio Global. Universidad Regional Amazónica, IKIAM; María Cristina Peñuela, Universidad Regional Amazónica, IKIAM

Synopsis

The fern Hypolepis parallelogramma (known locally as Garabato-yuyo), characteristic of the Ecuadorian Amazon, is considered a complementary food in traditional dishes consumed by communities in Napo. Ferns of the same order have been reported to contain toxic compounds such as Caudatoside, in concentrations ranging from 2 to 1302 µg/g dry weight, which may induce carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the possible presence and concentration of Caudatoside through the detection of Pterosin A in three growth stages of the fern, under traditional preparations and in its natural state (Maito, raw, and cooked). Fronds were collected from three communities in Napo (Lushian, El Calvario, and Puma Yaku), obtaining 310 g per stage. The Salkowski test was applied for general terpenoid detection, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) was used for Pterosin A detection. The results confirmed the presence of terpenoids but not of Pterosin A, ruling out the presence of Caudatoside in all samples and preparations. However, the compound 12',8-Diapocarotene-12',8-dial was identified, with a molecular mass of 230.1306 Da. In conclusion, the fern lacks Pterosin A and contains a carotenoid oxidation product that poses no risk upon consumption, indicating that its consumption can be considered safe.

Published

April 3, 2026

How to Cite

Preliminary determination of Caudatoside from Pterosin A in Hypolepis parallelogramma (Kuntze) C. Presl, a fern consumed in Napo, Ecuador. (2026). In III International Congress of Biotechnology and Neotropical Ecosystems. Editorial Unión Científica. https://doi.org/10.63804/CIBEN.25.sioh.e4