Dryopteris fragrans
Dryopteris fragrans · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Dryopteris fragrans is a plant species noted for its significant biological potential, particularly regarding its antioxidant capabilities. Research indicates that both the leaf and root contain valuable chemical constituents, including terpenoids and the specific compound albicanol. Various preparations, such as the alcohol extract and the ethyl acetate-soluble portion, have been studied for their therapeutic properties. Specifically, the CHCl3-soluble portion has demonstrated notable antioxidant activity when evaluated under challenging environmental conditions. These findings suggest that the plant plays a crucial role in responding to oxidative stress and drought.
- Synonyms
- Polypodium Fragrans · Aspidium Fragrans · 17 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Dryopteris fragrans is a distinctive species known by many different names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is most commonly referred to as the Fragrant woodfern. German speakers may identify the plant as the Duftender Wurmfarn or simply as doftbräken. The species also carries botanical-sounding common names such as dryoptère fragrante. Finally, it is sometimes called dryoptère odorante, reflecting its aromatic qualities.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Dryopteris fragrans is a complex species that is frequently identified by several different botanical synonyms. Taxonomists have historically classified this fern under names such as Aspidium fragrans and Dryopteris aquilonaris. Its classification further extends to specific forms and varieties, including Dryopteris fragrans f. aquilonaris and Dryopteris fragrans var. hookeriana. Additionally, the name Dryopteris fragrans var. remotiuscula is recognized within its diverse nomenclatural history. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Dryopteris fragrans belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of botanical life. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the ferns. This specific species is a member of the genus Dryopteris, a group known for its distinct structural characteristics. It further descends through the order Polypodiales, which organizes many fern varieties based on shared evolutionary traits. Ultimately, this plant is situated within the family Polypodiaceae, completing its complex biological hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Dryopteris fragrans is a plant species primarily found throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its distribution spans several key areas within China, including North-Central China, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, and Xinjiang. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species also extends its reach into Eastern Asia, specifically inhabiting Japan. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's ability to thrive across diverse temperate landscapes. Understanding these specific locations is essential for studying the ecological patterns of this fern.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Dryopteris fragrans is a delicate herb characterized by its self-supporting growth habit. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of only 0.3 meters. Depending on environmental conditions, its size can vary significantly, sometimes measuring as little as 0.05 meters. Such compact dimensions allow it to thrive within its specific ecological niche.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Dryopteris fragrans serves as a significant source of the sesquiterpenoid albicanol, a compound known for its potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Recent research highlights how this plant derivative can combat cellular damage caused by cadmium-induced oxidative stress. By targeting the NO/iNOS-regulated mitochondrial pathway, albicanol effectively reduces the rate of apoptosis in hepatoma cells. The study demonstrates that co-treatment with this compound regulates key gene expressions, such as Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, to protect against injury. Ultimately, these findings underscore the medicinal potential of Dryopteris fragrans in mitigating heavy metal-induced toxicity.
Compounds
Dryopteris fragrans is a medicinal plant recognized for being rich in various terpenoids. Among its significant chemical constituents is albicanol, a specific sesquiterpenoid extracted from this fern species. Research has demonstrated that albicanol possesses potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Specifically, this compound has been shown to inhibit cadmium-induced apoptosis by regulating the NO/iNOS-mediated mitochondrial pathway in cells. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the secondary metabolites produced by Dryopteris fragrans.
Conditions
Dryopteris fragrans provides beneficial biological effects, such as the ability of its extract, albicanol, to treat Cd-induced apoptosis by regulating the NO/iNOS-mediated mitochondrial pathway. The plant also enhances high-temperature tolerance through the overexpression of the DfRaf gene, which increases Rubisco activity and ROS-scavenging ability. Furthermore, UV-B exposure serves as a regulatory mechanism that influences terpenoid synthesis within the plant. Its components are also recognized for their ability to treat aging through anti-aging properties. Finally, the plant is noted for its significant antioxidant activity, which helps mitigate oxidative stress.
Preparations
Dryopteris fragrans serves as the source for several specific chemical preparations, including the albicanol sesquiterpenoid. Researchers have also utilized the plant to produce an alcohol extract for further chemical analysis. From this primary alcohol extract, specific fractions such as the CHCl3-soluble portion are isolated. Similarly, the ethyl acetate-soluble portion is prepared from the plant's extract to facilitate the purification of its constituents. These various preparation methods allow for the identification of diverse compounds found within the species.
Parts used
Dryopteris fragrans is a medicinal fern that exhibits complex biological processes across its various anatomical structures. Scientific studies have focused heavily on the leaves, particularly how they regulate terpenoid synthesis in response to UV-B light exposure. Beyond the foliage, the plant's roots also serve as a critical site for tissue-specific gene expression and functional development. By analyzing both the leaves and the roots, researchers can better understand the unique transcriptomic characteristics of each organ. This comprehensive view of the plant's parts provides essential insights into its secondary metabolism and overall medicinal potential.