Chemical constituents of Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. and their chemotaxonomic significance

Phytochemical investigation on Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. has resulted in the identification of 21 natural compounds including nine phenolic acids ( 1 – 7 , 14 and 19 ), five alkaloids ( 8 – 11 and 13 ), one nucleoside ( 12 ), three saccharides ( 15 – 17 ), one steroid ( 18 ) and two furfural derivatives ( 20 and 21 ). Compounds were identified by analysis of NMR spectra and comparison of the data with literature. All these compounds were firstly found in the family Ophioglossaceae. Their chemotaxonomic significance was comprehensively discussed herein. • 21 compounds were identified from Helminthostachys zeylanica. • All these compounds were firstly obtained from the family Ophioglossaceae. • Structural diversity of phytochemicals in Helminthostachys zeylanica was enriched. • Chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was discussed.