Stenoclaena palustris (Burm. f) Bedd. (Family: Blechnaceae) commonly known as ‘Climbing fern’ or ‘Paku midin’ in Malay is an evergreen tropical fern popularly used by the Malaysian community. Earlier reports on pharmacological activities on the plant include significant antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities. In the present paper, we report some pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and fronds since there are no standardization parameters for this plant reported in the literature. The transverse section of the leaves revealed dorsiventral nature. Stomata are absent in the upper epidermis. Transverse section of the fronds revealed numerous vascular bundles scattered throughout the section starting from the cortex region. The powder microscopy of the leaves revealed fragments of epidermal cells, mesophyll, covering trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals, xylem vessels and phloem fibres. The preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts revealed presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, mucilages, proteins and amino acids respectively in the plant. The findings of the study can be useful in establishing pharmacognostic standards for the plant.
