Abstract
A chemical survey of the six species of Microsorum in French Polynesia has been performed to determine and quantify the phytoecdysteroids. The content and composition of these compounds in the fronds of each of the six species were established. The highest concentrations of ecdysteroids were found in M. membranifolium (1.6% w/w) and M. scolopendria (0.47%), used in Polynesian traditional medicine. Seven phytoecdysteroids were quantified in these species and the major components were ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone, besides the minor ones (inokosterone, makisterone A, makisterone C, and 2-deoxyecdysone). Both the fronds of M. membranifolium and the rhizomes of M. scolopendria grown in French Polynesia could be considered as uncommonly rich sources of ecdysteroids.