Woodwardia unigemmata
Woodwardia unigemmata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Woodwardia unigemmata is a distinctive fern species that has garnered attention for its unique botanical properties. Researchers have focused on exploring its chemical composition through the use of methanol extracts. These preparations serve as a vital tool for isolating bioactive compounds present within the plant's tissues. By studying these extracts, scientists aim to uncover the potential medicinal or biological activities of the species. Such investigations contribute to a deeper understanding of the plant's pharmacological significance.
- Synonyms
- Woodwardia Himalaica · Woodwardia Radicans Var. Unigemmata · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Woodwardia unigemmata is a distinctive plant known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to as the jewelled chain fern. Its identity shifts as one travels globally, appearing as Atžalinis ūksmis in Lithuania and Вудвардия однопочечная in Russian. In East Asian contexts, the species is recognized by the Japanese name ハイコモチシダ. Finally, the plant is also identified in Chinese botanical circles as 生芽狗脊蕨.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Woodwardia unigemmata is a botanical species known to encompass several different taxonomic designations within its scientific history. It has been identified under various synonyms, including the names Blechnum japonicum and Woodwardia himalaica. The plant is also closely associated with the classifications Woodwardia latiloba and Woodwardia maxima. Furthermore, researchers have historically recognized it as Woodwardia radicans var. unigemmata. Understanding these complex relationships is essential for accurate plant identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Woodwardia unigemmata is a distinctive biological specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further categorized into the order Polypodiales, showcasing its evolutionary lineage. It is a member of the family Aspleniaceae, which highlights its botanical characteristics. Finally, this species is identified by its membership in the genus Woodwardia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Woodwardia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Woodwardia unigemmata is a distinctive fern species primarily distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, its presence is widely documented across the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. The plant also thrives in the unique high-altitude environments of Tibet. Furthermore, its range extends eastward to include the diverse landscapes of Japan. This broad geographic footprint highlights the plant's adaptability across various East Asian ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Woodwardia unigemmata is characterized by its distinct growth form as an herb. This species is entirely self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structure within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Woodwardia unigemmata demonstrates a significant ability to treat human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease through its methanol extracts. During screening of Chinese medicinal herbs used as anti-fever remedies, this specific plant was identified as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme. When tested at a concentration of 200 microg/ml, the methanol extract of Woodwardia unigemmata elicited an inhibition rate exceeding 90%. This inhibitory activity was measured by observing the prevention of sequence-specific cleavage in synthetic peptide substrates. Consequently, the plant stands out among the examined herbs for its effectiveness against HIV-1 protease.
Preparations
Woodwardia unigemmata is prepared as methanol extracts for use in pharmacological studies. These specific extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease. During the screening of various Chinese medicinal herbs, this plant demonstrated significant inhibitory activity. At a concentration of 200 microg/ml, the methanol extracts of Woodwardia unigemmata elicited an inhibition rate exceeding 90%. This performance places it among the most effective herbal extracts tested in the study.