Herbe capillaire (Adiantum capillus-veneris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does maidenhair fern work as an expectorant?

Maidenhair fern contains triterpenoids and flavonoids that exert anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects on the respiratory tract. These compounds help reduce inflammation in bronchial tissues while thinning mucus secretions, making coughs more productive. The tannins present also provide mild astringent effects that soothe irritated mucous membranes. Evidence Level: C (preliminary research and traditional use support these mechanisms, though clinical trials are limited).

Does maidenhair fern interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Adiantum capillus-veneris in current literature. However, due to limited clinical research, caution is advised when combining with anticoagulant medications, as the herb contains compounds that may affect blood clotting. The tannin content may also reduce absorption of certain medications if taken simultaneously. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal remedies with prescription medications. Evidence Level: D (theoretical concerns based on constituent profile).

What is the recommended dosage of maidenhair fern for cough?

The traditional adult dosage for maidenhair fern is 2-4 grams of dried frond prepared as an infusion (tea), taken three times daily. For respiratory conditions, steep the dried herb in hot water for 10-15 minutes before straining. Liquid extracts may also be available; follow manufacturer guidelines. This dosing is based on traditional use and pharmacopoeial standards rather than clinical trials. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is maidenhair fern safe to take during pregnancy?

Maidenhair fern is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided, particularly in therapeutic doses. Traditional sources contraindicate its use in pregnant women due to potential uterine effects. There is insufficient safety data for use during breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal preparations. Evidence Level: D (traditional contraindication with insufficient modern safety data).

What is maidenhair fern used for in herbal medicine?

Maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) has been used traditionally in Greek, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine primarily for respiratory conditions including coughs, bronchitis, and catarrh. It functions as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent. Additional traditional uses include promoting hair growth, supporting liver and spleen health, and addressing minor digestive complaints. Modern herbal practice continues these applications, though clinical evidence remains limited. Evidence Level: C (traditional use with some preliminary research).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair fern) is a medicinal herb from the Pteridaceae family used in traditional and modern medicine for its pharmacological properties [PMID:29445628, PMID:32178614].

Contexte

Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn, also known as Maidenhair fern or "Pare-siavashan" in Iranian Traditional Medicine, is a member of the Pteridaceae family [PMID:29445628, PMID:32178614].

Usages traditionnels

The fronds were used by ancient physicians as a single medicine or in multi-herbal formulations to cure various diseases [PMID:29445628]; it has been used in traditional systems to treat various illnesses and chronic wounds [PMID:41132578, PMID:25400884].

Composés actifs

The herb contains flavonoids (including quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and rutin), phenolic acids, triterpenoids (such as isoadiantone, isoadiantol-B, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyfilicane, 3,4-dihydroxyfilicane, 4alpha-hydroxyfilican-3-one, and fern-9(11)-en-12beta-ol), saponins, and tannins [PMID:41132578, PMID:23960744, PMID:12237552].

Mécanisme d'action

The herb exhibits antioxidant activity by clearing reactive oxygen species (ROS) [PMID:41132578]. It demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and reducing inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin E2 [PMID:41132578, PMID:37375275]. In diabetic models, it acts as a dual inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase [PMID:27663206].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHyperglycemia/Diabetes

Aqueous extracts showed potent dual inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase in vitro and antihyperglycemic effects in vivo [PMID:27663206].

Preuve DColitis

Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts showed anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerative effects in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats [PMID:32995327].

Preuve DHepatotoxicity

Extracts mitigated liver toxicity induced by Bisphenol A and Carbendazim by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation [PMID:29446025, PMID:37375275].

Preuve DAndrogenetic Alopecia

Topical application of a 1% solution promoted hair growth in testosterone-induced alopecia models in mice [PMID:24711836].

Preuve DWound Healing

Aqueous fractions promoted significant angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation in vitro [PMID:25400884].

Preuve DReproductive Toxicity

Extracts protected female reproductive organs against carbendazim toxicity [PMID:33405113] and mitigated testicular toxicity induced by bisphenol A [PMID:26936479].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

The herb is described as a well-known safe medicinal herb [PMID:32178614].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D) and review articles (Level C), with no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 29445628 (2018) — Medicinal Properties of Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. in Traditional Medicine and Modern Phytotherapy: A Review Article. · Iranian journal of public health
2.PMID: 32178614 (2021) — A Review of Pharmacological Properties and Toxicological Effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. · Current drug discovery technologies
3.PMID: 41132578 (2025) — Adiantum capillus-veneris: A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Advanced Extraction Techniques. · Food science & nutrition
4.PMID: 24711836 (2014) — Effect of Adiantum Capillus veneris Linn on an Animal Model of Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss. · Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR
5.PMID: 27663206 (2017) — Antiobesity and antihyperglycaemic effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris extracts: in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

Herbe capillaire

Sources et citations

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