Dryopteris crassirhizoma
What's the taxonomical classification of Dryopteris crassirhizoma?
Dryopteris crassirhizoma belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is categorized under the subclass Polypodiinae and falls into the order Polypodiales. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the family Polypodiaceae, placing it within the genus Dryopteris, and it is specifically identified as the species crassirhizoma.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
| Species | crassirhizoma |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Dryopteris crassirhizoma has thick, woody rhizomes that are densely covered with brownish scales and bear pinnate fronds that can reach up to 60 centimeters in length. The stipes are stout and often feature a dark brown or reddish pigmentation near the base. Each leaf is bipinnate to tripinnate, displaying a delicate, feathery texture with lanceolate pinnae. The pinnules possess serrated margins and a slightly leathery consistency. Small sori are arranged in rows on the undersides of the fertile segments, typically protected by kidney-shaped indusia.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically found within the territories of Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It typically inhabits moist, shaded forest environments across these temperate regions. Its distribution is often tied to mountainous terrains where soil moisture remains consistent. Local populations can be found growing in various microhabitats ranging from woodland floors to rocky slopes. This specific range limits its natural presence to these particular continental areas.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining, humus-rich soil and consistent moisture within a shaded or semi-shaded environment to thrive.
It grows best in woodland settings where the ground remains damp but not waterlogged. During the cultivation process, adding organic mulch helps maintain the necessary soil humidity and regulates temperature around the rhizomes. Because it is a shade-loving species, direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent the delicate fronds from scorching.
Regular monitoring of soil moisture is essential, especially during warmer months, to ensure the plant does not dry out completely.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant is used medicinally through its rhizome. This underground stem contains active compounds that are harvested for various therapeutic applications. Practitioners often prepare the rhizome to treat conditions such as intestinal parasites or skin ailments. It is important to process the root carefully to ensure its effectiveness in traditional remedies. The specific chemical properties within the rhizome make it the primary focus of botanical studies regarding this species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the rhizome of Dryopteris crassirhizoma is used as a traditional East Asian herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. A 30% ethanolic extract of the rhizome was investigated for its potential against human coronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. The extract contains specific components such as filixiic acid ABA (PubChem CID: 15081408) and dryocrassin ABBA (PubChem CID: 3082025). This rhizome extract demonstrates dose-dependent inhibition of HCov-OC43-induced cytopathic effects and effectively blocks viral entry involving spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Delta plus and South Africa variants. Furthermore, the rhizome targets viral proteases, specifically the main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro).
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- rhizome
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as the thick-rhizomed wood fern, has been utilized in various traditional medicinal practices primarily for its rhizomes. In some historical contexts, practitioners employed the plant to address ailments related to the digestive tract and skin inflammation. Its chemical constituents were once believed to possess properties that could help manage pain or swelling in localized areas. Because specific traditional systems from the provided list are not applicable, its historical use is categorized by general ethnobotanical observations rather than a specific cultural framework. Local folk medicine often relied on decoctions made from the rootstock to treat minor infections.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- None of the items in the list are relevant to the topic.
What are the pharmacological activities of Dryopteris crassirhizoma?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological potential through its anthelmintic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant activities. Research indicates that its chemical constituents can effectively combat various parasitic worms and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of bioactive compounds also provides a defense against oxidative stress and helps reduce inflammatory responses in biological systems. Furthermore, studies suggest that certain extracts from the rhizome possess inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation. These diverse properties make the species a subject of interest for developing new therapeutic agents.
According to a study published by "Parasitology research", the methanolic extract of Dryopteris crassirhizoma was observed to be the most effective against Dactylogyrus intermedius. This specific extract demonstrated an EC50 value of 22.97 mg L-1 after 48 h of exposure. Furthermore, it exhibited a 100% efficacy against D. intermedius at a concentration of 60.00 mg L-1. An acute toxicity assay indicated that the 48-h LC50 value of the methanolic extracts of Dryopteris crassirhizoma was 4.10-fold higher than its corresponding EC50.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anthelmintic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-microbial
- anti-oxidant
- anti-parasite
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds dryocrassin, dryocrassin ABB, and crassirhizomosides A, B, and C. These specific bioactive substances are primarily isolated from the rhizomes of the species. Researchers study these compounds to understand their potential pharmacological activities in various biological systems. The presence of these unique flavonoids and glycosides distinguishes the chemical profile of this fern. Detailed chemical analysis helps identify how these molecules contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties.
According to a study published by "Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry", the stems of Dryopteris crassirhizoma contain the key antiviral component dryocrassin ABBA. This compound is characterized by polyphenol groups and low contents, making it difficult to obtain in large amounts. Through a total synthesis achieved in 9 steps with an over-all yield of 4.6%, dryocrassin ABBA and its analogues b5 and e2 demonstrated inhibitory activity against Anhui H7N9. These compounds showed IC50 values of 3.6 μM, 2.5 μM, and 1.6 μM, which are better than the positive control OSV at 9.6 μM. These results suggest that dryocrassin ABBA and its analogues may have beneficial effects on treating the avian influenza H7N9 virus.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Dryocrassin ABBA
- crassirhizomosides A
- crassirhizomosides B
- crassirhizomosides C
- dryocrassin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bacterial infections, microbial infection, parasite, parasitic infestation, and viral infection. The rhizomes of Dryopteris crassirhizoide contain various bioactive compounds that exhibit significant antimicrobial properties. These substances work to inhibit the growth of harmful microbes within the body. Specifically, the plant's chemical constituents help combat various types of parasitic infestation and internal parasites. Medicinal practitioners also utilize its extracts to manage the symptoms associated with certain viral infection and bacterial infection types.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the rhizome of Dryopteris crassirhizoma possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. A 30% ethanolic extract of this plant was investigated for its antiviral potential against human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants. The plant components filixic acid ABA (PubChem CID: 15081408) and dryocrassin ABBBA (PubChem CID: 3082025) were also studied in relation to these infections. Dryopteris crassirhizoma demonstrated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its variants by targeting the main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro). The extract effectively blocked viral entry in assays involving spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta plus and South Africa variants.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bacterial infections
- microbial infection
- parasite
- parasitic infestation
- viral infection
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Dryopteris crassirhizoma, which is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations primarily for its anthelmintic properties. One common form of this preparation is a 30% ethanolic extract used to treat parasitic infections. The rhizomes are carefully processed to ensure the concentration of active compounds is appropriate for therapeutic use. These extracts are often administered in controlled doses to target intestinal worms effectively. Careful standardization is required to manage the potential toxicity associated with the plant's alkaloids.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 30% ethanolic extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health issues including toxicity from potential carcinogens like ptaquiloside, as well as gastrointestinal distress. Consuming the plant often leads to acute symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Individuals may also experience significant abdominal pain following ingestion. Diarrhea is another common side effect that arises from the plant's toxic components. These combined symptoms highlight the significant risks associated with its consumption.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Toxicity from potential carcinogens/ptaquiloside
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
What herbs are paired with Dryopteris crassirhizoma?
This plant, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, is most commonly paired with other woodland ferns like Polystichum acrostichoides and various species of Osmunda to create a layered forest floor aesthetic.
These pairings work well because they share similar shade requirements and moisture preferences. Combining them with groundcovers such as Ajuga reptans or Vinca minor helps to suppress weeds and provide a lush green base. Adding textural contrast with hostas or woodland perennials like Heuchera can further enhance the visual depth of the planting.
This specific grouping ensures a cohesive ecosystem that thrives in damp, shaded environments.