Dryopteris filix-mas vs Agrimonia pilosa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Dryopteris filix-mas

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial

Dryopteris filix-mas

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Agrimonia pilosa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European fern historically used to expel tapeworms; toxic in excess; significant historical anthelmintic.

East Asian agrimony used in TCM for bleeding conditions, parasites, and digestive complaints.

Active Compounds

phloroglucinols, filicin, albaspidin, flavaspidic acid

agrimonolide, luteolin, quercetin, tannins

Traditional Uses

tapeworm expulsion, intestinal parasites

Bleeding conditions in TCM, Intestinal parasites, Digestive complaints, Antibacterial use

Modern Uses

historical anthelmintic (now replaced by safer drugs)

Hemostatic properties, Anthelmintic, Antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

Not recommended; use modern anthelmintics

9-15 g dried herb as decoction

Contraindications

pregnancy, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease

Constipation, Pregnancy in high doses

Side Effects

nausea, vomiting, liver damage, blindness with overdose

Constipation in excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E