Helminthostachys zeylanica extract (HZE)

Helminthostachys zeylanica extract is a botanical therapeutic candidate derived from the rhizomes of the medicinal fern Helminthostachys zeylanica, commonly known as Kamraj (Chen et al., 2014). It is not a single molecular target but a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, primarily prenylated flavonoids known as ugonins, which modulate broad inflammatory and bone-remodeling pathways (Huang et al., 2017). The extract exerts its pharmacological effects by inhibiting the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B Ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway and suppressing the activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) (Su et al., 2016). These actions lead to the downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. Consequently, the extract is investigated for its potential in treating bone-resorptive and inflammatory diseases, including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its therapeutic profile is characterized by the synergistic interaction of its constituents across multiple signaling nodes rather than a single protein-ligand interaction.

Other names

KamrajDaun Tunjuk LangitUgonin-rich extractHelminthostachys zeylanica rhizome extractOphioglossum zeylanicum

Inhibition of RANKL-induced NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways; suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators including COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6; modulation of the RANKL/OPG ratio.