Taxonomic class

Adiantoideae

Common Trade Names

None known.

Common Forms

Available in decoctions, infusions, syrups, and teas.

Source

Maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillis-veneris (A. pedatum), is a member of the Adiantoideae family of ferns. It is native to eastern Asia and North America but has been naturalized throughout Europe as well. Related species may be found throughout the world. The fern typically grows about I’ high. The stems are darkly colored with 6″ fronds composed of alternate, triangular, and oblong (or fan-shaped) notched pinnae. The aerial portions of the fern are used to make decoctions, infusions, syrups, and teas.

Chemical components

Maidenhair fern’s numerous constituents, including volatile oils, sugars, tannins, mucilages, and bitters, have been poorly characterized. Triterpenoids, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and capesterol have also been isolated from the fern .

Actions

There are no clinical or laboratory data describing known actions of maidenhair fern or its constituents. All purported actions are anecdotal.

Reported Uses

Historically, maidenhair fern has been used to treat various pulmonary cattarhs (asthma, cough, pleurisy) and renal disorders (gravel) and as a hair-darkener and restorer. Modern recommendations for its use include alopecia, bronchitis, dysmenorrhea, and whooping cough and as an expectorant and a refrigerant drink for erysipelas and fever. Numerous other uses are mentioned in the lay literature. There is no evidence to support its use in any disease state.

Dosage

Decoction and infusion: 1 to 4 fl oz P.O.

Syrup: 1 or 2 tbsp P.O.

Tea: 1.5 gin 150 ml of water P.O.

Adverse Reactions

GI: vomiting.

Other: allergic reaction.

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications and precautions Maidenhair fern is contraindicated in pregnant patients.

Special Considerations

Caution the patient not to self-treat symptoms of respiratory illness before seeking appropriate medical evaluation because this may delay diagnosis of a serious medical condition.

Although no known chemical interactions have been reported in clinical studies, consideration must be given to the pharmacologic properties of the herbal product and the potential for exacerbation of the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Urge the patient to notify the prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement he is taking when filling a new prescription.

Points of Interest

About 9,500 species of ferns exist. The genus Adiantum has more than 200 species of ferns. The American Fern Society, which is more than 100 years old, provides information and specimens (spores) to those who are interested in cultivating ferns.

Commentary

The use of maidenhair fern is regulated in the United States, and it is permitted to be used only as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages . Some sources indicate that if maidenhair fern is taken in small quantities, there is no reason to expect adverse drug, herb, or food interactions . Because laboratory and clinical data on potential mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamic effects, therapeutic benefits, toxicity profiles, and interactions are lacking, there is no basis for recommending maidenhair fern for any reason.

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