Male fern
Scientific names: Dryopteris filix-mas
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Alternate names: American Aspidium, Bear's Paw, Dryoptère Fougère Mâle, Dryopteris filix-mas, European Aspidium, Fougère Mâle, Helecho Macho, Knotty Brake, Marginal Fern, Shield Fern, Water Loving Fern
Background
Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is an evergreen plant that grows in Nigeria. Traditional healers use it as medicine, but it is a very poisonous plant.
Male fern contains chemicals that can kill intestinal worms such as tapeworms. But taking male fern by mouth can cause death.
Despite serious safety concerns, some people use male fern for rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal parasites, wound healing, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Male fern contains chemicals that can kill intestinal worms such as tapeworms. But taking male fern by mouth can cause death.
Despite serious safety concerns, some people use male fern for rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal parasites, wound healing, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Male fern is likely unsafe. It is toxic and should not be consumed. Canada requires that male fern products be labeled "For external use only." Taking male fern can lead to very serious side effects, including death.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if male fern is safe or what the side effects might be.
Stomach and intestinal conditions: Certain stomach and intestinal conditions might increase the amount of male fern that is absorbed by the body. This bigger dose of male fern could lead to more serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if male fern is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking male fern by mouth is likely unsafe for anyone, including those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.Stomach and intestinal conditions: Certain stomach and intestinal conditions might increase the amount of male fern that is absorbed by the body. This bigger dose of male fern could lead to more serious side effects.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using male fern for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Male fern is used by traditional Nigerian healers. But male fern is very poisonous. Taking it by mouth is unsafe and can lead to death. Avoid use.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Male Fern interacts with any medicines. Before taking Male Fern, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Castor oil: Taking castor oil increases the amount of male fern that is absorbed. This bigger dose of male fern could lead to more serious side effects.
Interactions with foods
Fats, oils, and alcohol increase the amount of male fern that is absorbed by the body. This bigger dose of male fern could lead to more serious side effects.
Products
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Per 0.52 mL:
- Dryopteris filix-mas
- Artemisia vulgaris
- Cina
- Tanacetum vulgare
- Santoninum
- Spigelia anthelmia
- Teucrium marum
- Porcine liver
- Porcine intestinal mucous membrane
- Natrium phosphate
Practitioner product
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
