PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS MALE FERN/493

Cooper-Driver G, Swain T, Bot J Linn Soc 74:1-21. 1977.

Further information in:

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen)/tSprihger Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Male Fern

Dryopteris filix-mas

Leaves, Stem and Root: The root is a crooked half-under-
4§ ground fleshy rhizome, covered in the remains of dark brown
petioles, which produces long branched root fibers. The
remains of the petioles are linear-lanceolate and tomentose
with red-brown scales. The foliage grows in a crown, with
fronds arranged in spirals, 60 cm to 1.5 m high. There are 2-
pinnate, oblong-lanceolate, alternate, sessile leaflets, subdi-
vided with round segments. The young fronds are rolled in
spirals and thickly covered in hairs. They gradually open out
as the fronds grow.
Habitaff^tfic* plant is found in the temperate zones of
Europe, northern Asia and in North and'South" America.
Production: Male Fern leaf consists of the fresh or dried leaf
of Dryopteris filix-mas. Male Fern herb consists of the fresh
or dried above-ground parts of Dryopteris filix-mas. Male
Fern rhizome consists of me fresh or dried rhizomes
separated from the attached roots. The root-stock is collected
in autumn and gently dried.
Not to be Confused With: The rhizomes of most European
Dyopteris species.
Other Names: Aspidium, Bear's Paw Root, Fern, Knotty
Brake, Male Shield Fern, Marginal Fern, Sweet Brake
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: MALE FERN RHIZOME
Acylphloroglucinoles (2%, mixtures termed raw filicin or
filicin): in particular, flavaspidic acids, filicinic acids,
paraspidin, desaspidin
Tannins

COMPOUNDS: MALE FERN LEAVES

Acylphloroglucinoles (0.2%, mixtures termed raw filicin or

filicin): in particular, flavaspidic acids, filicinic acids,

paraspidin, desaspidin

Flavonoids

EFFECTS

Male Fern herb has an anthelmintic effect and is strongly

cytotoxic against band worms and liver flukes, although

roundworm and oxyuris are resistant. It is also cell toxic,

virostatic and antiviral. The pharmacological effect is largely

due to the flavaspidic acid with filicic acids being the main

active principle.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Male Fern herb are used

externally for rheumatism, sciatica, muscle pain, neuralgia,

earache and toodiache, for festering and poorly healing

wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, for teething in infants, and

sleep disorders, as well as internally for tapeworms and

flukes.

Homeopathic Uses: Dryopteris filix-mas is used for weak

sight and damage to the optic nerve.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The drug should not be administered in the presence of

anemia, cardiac, liver or kidney diseases or diabetes.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: The following can occur even with therapeutic

dosages: queasiness, nausea, severe headache, vomiting,

diarrhea.

Pregnancy: The drug^ should not be used during pregnancy.

Pediatric Use: The drug should not be administered to

children under 4 years.

Use in the Elderly: The drug should not be administered to

elderly persons.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdosages in susceptible patients can lead to liver, cardiac

and kidney damage as well as central nervous system

disorders, psychoses and permanent injuries such as paraly-

sis and visual disorders may be seen as a result of overdose.

Cases of death, particularly among children, have been

observed following administration of Filmaron oil (10%

solution of volatile extracts of the rhizomic drug in cooking

oil).

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Warning: Dosages may be toxic!

Due to the risks, internal application is not recommended; if

possible other remedies should be used. Because the efficacy

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried fronds,

die dried rhizome collected in autumn with the leaf bases, the

fresh rhizome and the fresh aerial parts.

Flower and Fruit: On the underside of the leaflets there are 2

rows of sori, covered by kidney-shaped, red-brown film. The

spores are dark brown.