Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 25, 2026 1 hour, 50 minutes ago
Medical News: A team of Chinese researchers has uncovered compelling scientific evidence explaining how the traditional medicinal plant Kadsura coccinea, commonly known as “Black Tiger,” may help fight rheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease that damages joints over time.
Black Tiger root contains multiple natural compounds that may block inflammation and protect joints in rheumatoid arthritis
The study was conducted by scientists from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Chinese Medicinal Materials Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Station and the Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants in Nanning, the Guangxi Key Laboratory of High-Quality Formation and Utilization of Dao-di Herbs, the National Engineering Research Center of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resource Development, and the School of Biological Science and Food Engineering at Chuzhou University in China.
Rheumatoid arthritis, often called RA, is a long-term disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes swelling, stiffness, and eventually destruction of cartilage and bone. While modern medicines exist, they can be costly and sometimes cause serious side effects. This has pushed scientists to explore safer, plant-based alternatives.
90 Powerful Phytochemicals Identified
Using advanced laboratory technology, the researchers carefully analyzed extracts from the dried roots of Black Tiger. They identified 90 different natural chemical compounds or phytochemicals. Among them were 36 lignans and 54 triterpenoids, two groups of plant chemicals already known for anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties.
But finding these phytochemicals was just the first step. The scientists wanted to understand exactly how these substances might help people with arthritis.
Targeting 145 Arthritis-Linked Genes
By combining chemical analysis with advanced computer modeling, the team mapped how the plant’s phytochemicals interact with genes linked to rheumatoid arthritis. They identified 145 overlapping targets shared between the plant compounds and known RA-related genes.
From these, 65 key phytochemicals were singled out as especially important. Some standout molecules included kadcoccinone F, kadsuralignan I, and schisantherin M.
This
Medical News report highlights that these compounds were not acting on just one disease pathway. Instead, they appeared to influence multiple biological systems at the same time.
Blocking Inflammation and Joint Damage
The study showed that Black Tiger compounds may interfere with major inflammatory pathways in the body. These include signaling systems known as MAPK and JAK-STAT, which are heavily involved in producing inflammatory chemicals.
The plant compounds were also linked to enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down car
tilage in the joints. By interacting with these enzymes, the plant may help slow down joint destruction.
Computer simulations revealed that kadcoccinone F showed particularly strong binding ability to important inflammatory proteins such as JAK2 and JAK3. Strong binding suggests the compound could effectively block harmful signals that drive inflammation.
A Multi-Target Natural Strategy
Unlike conventional drugs that usually target one specific molecule, Black Tiger appears to work through a “multi-target” approach. The plant’s mixture of phytochemicals may simultaneously reduce inflammation, limit immune cell overactivation, slow cartilage breakdown, influence hormone metabolism, and even help regulate pain signals.
Researchers also found that some plant compounds may affect oxidative stress and local hormone balance inside inflamed joints, factors that can worsen RA symptoms.
Limitations and Future Research
Although the findings are promising, the researchers emphasize that the study was mainly based on laboratory analysis and computer modeling. Clinical trials in humans are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides strong scientific support for the traditional use of Black Tiger root in joint disorders. By identifying 90 compounds and mapping 145 shared arthritis-related targets, the research shows that Kadsura coccinea may work through a complex, multi-layered strategy to reduce inflammation, prevent joint destruction, and regulate immune responses. The evidence suggests that certain compounds, especially kadcoccinone F and kadsuralignan I, may serve as promising leads for future arthritis treatments. However, proper laboratory and clinical testing remains essential before it can be widely recommended.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/5/2097
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/arthritis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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