Phytochemistry, Traditional Applications, and Therapeutic Properties of Drynaria quercifolia

Review Article

Abstract

Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm., a medicinal epiphytic fern of the Polypodiaceae family, has been an important component of traditional medicine systems across South and Southeast Asia. The rhizome shows significant therapeutic properties and has been utilized extensively in Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine for treating bone fractures, inflammatory conditions, respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal ailments. Phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, β-sitosterol, and triterpenoids. Scientific investigations have demonstrated its potential as an antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and bone regenerative agent. The rhizome extract has shown beneficial results in periodontal regeneration and bone healing, attributed to its ability to enhance alkaline phosphatase activity and proteoglycan synthesis. Additionally, studies indicate significant antipyretic, anthelmintic, and cytotoxic properties. The therapeutic applications of this plant are supported by both ethnomedicinal knowledge and modern pharmacological research. More studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of action, set standardization parameters although preliminary studies show many traditional uses