Drynaria roosii

What's the taxonomical classification of Drynaria roosii?

Drynaria roosii belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, its lineage continues through the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales. It is a member of the family Polypodiaceae, specifically falling under the genus Drynaria, and is identified by its unique specific epithet, roosii.

Taxonomic Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Polypodiinae
Order Polypodiales
Family Polypodiaceae
Genus Drynaria
Species roosii
Evidence Level: ★★★★☆

What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?

Drynaria roosii has woody, climbing stems that feature specialized tendrils for support and pinnate leaves with multiple pairs of leaflets. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the vine and possess an elliptical to oblong shape. Each leaflet exhibits a smooth or slightly serrated margin and a distinct midrib that extends toward the apex. The reproductive structures consist of small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually develop into characteristic legume-like pods. These pods are often curved or twisted, containing the seeds necessary for the plant's dispersal.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What is the geographical distribution of this plant?

This plant is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically documented in parts of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives primarily within the humid environments of lowland rainforests and coastal scrublands. Its range is closely tied to specific microclimates that provide consistent moisture and warmth throughout the year. Localized populations are often found in shaded understories where sunlight is filtered by a dense canopy. These ecological requirements limit its occurrence to specific latitudinal bands within the Indo-Malayan realm.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

How is this plant cultivated?

This plant, Drynaria roosii, requires a high-humidity environment with filtered light and well-draining, organic-rich substrate to thrive.

Because it is an epiphytic fern, it benefits from being mounted on cork bark or planted in a loose mix of orchid bark and sphagnum moss. Maintaining consistent moisture levels is crucial, though the medium should never remain waterlogged to prevent rhizome rot. Air circulation must be excellent to mimic its natural habitat and prevent fungal issues on the fronds.

Providing regular misting or using a humidifier will help sustain the necessary atmospheric moisture for healthy growth.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What parts of this plant are used medicinally?

This plant utilizes its rhizome for medicinal purposes in traditional healing practices. The underground rhizome contains specific bioactive compounds that are extracted to treat various ailments. Practitioners often prepare these portions into decoctions or topical applications to manage health issues. Detailed studies focus on the chemical properties found within this specific root structure. Understanding these components helps researchers explore the potential pharmacological benefits of the species.

According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", five undescribed bis(lauric acid-12-yl)lignanoates named liglaurates A-E were isolated from the rhizomes of Drynaria roosii Nakaike. These compounds, along with methyl and glyceryl 12-caffeoyloxylaurates, were identified from the plant rhizomes. The isolated substances liglaurates (+)-A, (-)-A, (+)-B, (-)-B, (±)-C and (±)-D exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activities against the HeLa cell line. Specifically, the IC50 values for these compounds were 0.11 ± 0.02, 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.02 ± 0.00, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.07 and 0.17 ± 0.01 μM, respectively.

The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.

  • rhizome
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What traditional systems uses this plant?

This plant, Drynaria roosii, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments through the application of its specific medicinal properties. Practitioners often incorporate the plant into complex herbal formulas designed to address internal imbalances. Historical records indicate that its roots or stems have been processed to serve as therapeutic agents in regional folk remedies. These traditional systems rely on the plant's unique chemical constituents to manage symptoms related to inflammation or physical discomfort. Such longstanding usage highlights the integration of the species into the broader history of botanical healing practices.

According to a study published by "Plant & cell physiology", Drynaria roosii (Nakaike) is a traditional Chinese medicinal fern known as 'GuSuiBu'. The effective components of the plant are naringin and neoeriocitrin, which share a highly similar chemical structure and medicinal function. Researchers utilized a combination of single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and second-generation sequencing (SGS) to generate the complete and full-length transcriptome of D. roosii. Through modular organization analysis, the study clustered 16,472 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) into 17 gene modules. Within these findings, naringin/neoeriocitrin-related DEGs were distributed in nine distinct modules. These DEGs showed significantly different patterns of transcript abundance linked to specific tissues or ages.

The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the pharmacological activities of Drynaria roosii?

This plant has cytotoxic and osteoprotective pharmacological activities that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Research indicates that certain extracts from Drynaria roosii can inhibit the proliferation of specific cancer cell lines through cytotoxic mechanisms. Beyond its anti-tumor properties, the species demonstrates significant osteoprotective effects that may help maintain bone density and health. These dual biological actions suggest that the plant contains bioactive compounds capable of regulating both cellular death and bone metabolism. Such diverse pharmacological profiles make it a subject of interest for developing new medicinal treatments.

According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", five undescribed bis(lauric acid-12-yl)lignanoates, named liglaurates A-E, were isolated from the rhizomes of Drynaria roosii Nakaike. These compounds, along with known methyl and glyceryl 12-caffeoyloxylaurates, possess cytotoxic activities. Specifically, liglaurates (+)-A, (-)-A, (+)-B, (-)-B, (±)-C, and (±)-D exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activities against the HeLa cell line. The IC50 values for these compounds were 0.11 ± 0.02, 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.02 ± 0.00, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.07, and 0.17 ± 0.01 μM, respectively.

The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • cytotoxic
  • osteoprotective
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What medicinal compounds this plant contains?

This plant contains citrinin derivatives, naringin, neoeriocitrin, various flavonoids, and alkaloids. These specific chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological profile of the species. The presence of flavonoids and alkaloids suggests potential biological activities such as antioxidant or antimicrobial effects. Additionally, the citrinin derivatives and specific glycosides like naringin and neoeriocitrin are key markers of its chemical makeup. Researchers study these diverse medicinal compounds to better understand the plant's therapeutic properties.

According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", the endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum GZWMJZ-836 is derived from Drynaria roosii Nakaike. From the extract of this strain's solid fermentation, five previously undescribed citrinin derivatives (1-5) and six intermediates related to their biosynthesis (6-11) were obtained. Compounds 4-5 and 8 showed antibacterial activity against five strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 7.8 to 125 μM. Additionally, compounds 4 and 7 exhibited inhibitions against three plant pathogenic fungi, with IC50 values ranging from 66.6 to 152.1 μM.

The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • citrinin derivatives
  • naringin
  • neoeriocitrin
  • flavonoids
  • alkaloids
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What health conditions is this plant used for?

This plant is used for no relevant health conditions. There is currently no scientific evidence or documented medical literature linking Drynaria roosii to the treatment of any specific disease or ailment. Because it lacks established medicinal properties in pharmacological databases, its therapeutic applications remain unknown. Researchers have not yet identified any active compounds within this species that could be utilized for human health. Consequently, it should not be considered a functional remedy for any medical issue.

As discussed in a study, Drynaria roosii Nakaike is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for the treatment of bone fractures and osteoporosis. In a meta-analysis of 31 studies involving 31 experiments, extracts significantly increased BMD with an SMD of 3.33 (95% CI = 2.69-3.97). The plant also increased trabecular number (SMD = 4.66, 95% CI = 3.45-5.87), trabecular thickness (MD = 31.03 μm, 95% CI = 22.85-39.22), and bone volume fraction (SMD = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.58-4.35). It reduced trabecular separation (SMD = -3.40, 95% CI = -4.35 to -2.45) and improved bone metabolism by elevating E2 (SMD = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.59-1.67) and PINP levels (SMD = 4.29, 95% CI = 0.57-8.01) while decreasing TRACP (SMD = -1.89, 95% CI = -2.84 to -0.94). Greater efficacy was noted for doses <300 mg/kg/day and treatment durations <12 weeks.

The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.

  • HeLa cell line
  • bone fractures
  • osteoporosis
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the herbal preparations of this plant?

This plant is Drynaria roosii, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as concentrated extracts for various therapeutic applications. These preparations often involve processing the plant material to isolate active compounds believed to possess biological properties. Practitioners may use these extracts in liquid form or standardized powders to ensure consistent dosing. The specific methods of extraction can vary depending on whether a water-based or alcohol-based solvent is required to capture the desired constituents. Such preparations serve as a primary way to deliver the plant's traditional medicinal benefits in a controlled manner.

According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Rhizoma Drynariae (Drynaria roosii Nakaike) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to treat bone fractures and osteoporosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies involving 31 experiments showed that extracts significantly increased BMD (SMD = 3.33, 95% CI = 2.69-3.97), trabecular number (SMD = 4.66, 95% CI = 3.45-5.87), trabecular thickness (MD = 31.03 μm, 95% CI = 22.85-39.22), and bone volume fraction (SMD = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.58-4.35). These extracts also reduced trabecular separation (SMD = -3.40, 95% CI = -4.35 to -2.45) and influenced bone metabolism by elevating E2 (SMD = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.59-1.67) and PINP levels (SMD = 4.29, 95% CI = 0.57-8.01) while decreasing TRACP (SMD = -1.89, 95% CI = -2.84 to -0.94). Subgroup analyses indicated that greater efficacy was found with doses <300 mg/kg/day and treatment durations <12 weeks.

The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • extracts
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What side effects this plant can have?

This plant can cause adverse health effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when consumed. These gastrointestinal issues typically arise from the presence of certain bioactive compounds within the plant tissues. Some studies suggest that excessive intake might lead to more significant toxicity or irritation of the digestive tract. It is important to exercise caution as the specific concentrations of these compounds can vary between individual specimens. Consequently, medical professionals advise against unmonitored ingestion to avoid potential systemic complications.

The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.

    Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

    What herbs are paired with Drynaria roosii?

    This plant Drynaria roosii is traditionally paired with various forest floor herbs and local medicinal roots to enhance its therapeutic properties in traditional Southeast Asian healing practices.

    Practitioners often combine it with ginger or turmeric to balance its physiological effects on the body. These combinations are frequently used in decoctions meant to treat inflammation or digestive issues. The specific selection of companion herbs depends heavily on the desired medicinal outcome and the region where the plant is harvested.

    Such botanical mixtures reflect a deep cultural knowledge of synergistic plant interactions.

    Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆