Polypodium vulgare (Polypodium vulgare): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Polypodium vulgare work as an expectorant?

Polypodium vulgare contains mucilage and saponins that contribute to its expectorant properties. The mucilage forms a soothing coating on irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, while saponins may help loosen and thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to expel. The rhizome also contains ecdysones, though their specific role in respiratory effects remains unclear. These combined actions help clear airways and soothe cough symptoms. Evidence level: C (traditional use with preliminary pharmacological data).

Is Polypodium vulgare safe to take during pregnancy?

Polypodium vulgare is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb possesses mild laxative properties that may stimulate uterine contractions or cause electrolyte imbalances harmful to fetal development. There is insufficient safety data regarding use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing should not use this herb. Evidence level: C (traditional contraindication based on pharmacological properties).

What is the recommended dosage for Polypodium vulgare rhizome?

The traditional adult dosage for Polypodium vulgare is 3-5 grams of dried rhizome prepared as a tea, taken twice daily. To prepare, steep the dried rhizome in hot water for 10-15 minutes before straining. This dosage is based on traditional use rather than standardized clinical trials. Evidence level: C. Individuals should start with lower doses to assess tolerance, as excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal upset or loose stools.

Does Polypodium vulgare interact with any medications?

Polypodium vulgare may interact with laxatives, potentially causing excessive bowel movements and electrolyte imbalances when combined. The mucilage content could affect absorption of oral medications by delaying gastric emptying or binding to drugs in the digestive tract. Patients taking diuretics, heart medications, or blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before use, as electrolyte disturbances may compound medication effects. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on constituent properties).

What are the side effects of Polypodium vulgare?

Common side effects of Polypodium vulgare include mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and loose stools due to its laxative action. These effects are typically dose-dependent and may resolve by reducing the amount consumed. Individuals with existing diarrhea should avoid this herb, as it may worsen symptoms. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Discontinue use if severe abdominal cramping, persistent diarrhea, or signs of dehydration occur. Evidence level: C (traditional use data).

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

Polypodium vulgare is an evergreen fern used in traditional medicine for respiratory and renal conditions [PMID:31538499, 36708577].

Contexte

Polypodium vulgare, also known as common polypody, is a small evergreen fern [PMID:36708577].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional Polish medicine, it is used as an expectorant for cough and pertussis, and as a diuretic for renal diseases such as chronic nephritis and pyelonephritis [PMID:31538499]. In Persian Medicine, it is mentioned in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine for the treatment of asthma [PMID:31527294] and used for various mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) [PMID:40848906]. General traditional uses of edible ferns include treating colds, fevers, pain, burns, wounds, rheumatism, diarrhoea, and skin diseases [PMID:38296173].

Composés actifs

The rhizomes contain phytoecdysteroids, including 20-hydroxyecdysone and several new compounds [PMID:21803067]. Water extracts of the rhizomes contain flavan-3-ol derivatives such as (+)-afzelechin, (+)-afzelechin-7-O-α-l-arabinofuranoside, (+)-afzelechin-7-O-β-d-apiofuranoside, (+)-catechin-7-O-α-l-arabinofuranoside, and (+)-catechin-7-O-β-d-apiofuranoside [PMID:31538499]. The plant also contains flavonoids [PMID:36708577] and phenolic compounds [PMID:18449545, 34603041].

Mécanisme d'action

The plant's flavonoids are thought to provide beneficial effects in melanoma treatment via antioxidant properties [PMID:36708577]. Aqueous root extracts have demonstrated CNS depressant effects, including reduction of spontaneous motor activity and prevention of seizures [PMID:2583745]. It also exhibits beta-adrenoceptor agonistic activities, causing hypotension and tachycardia in dogs and inhibiting rabbit small intestine contractions, effects which are blocked by propranolol [PMID:2583745].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A triple-blind clinical trial investigated the therapeutic impact of a dodder and polypody herbal product (DPHP) in patients taking fluvoxamine [PMID:40848906].

Preuve DWound healing

In vivo and in vitro mouse models showed that P. vulgare extract was more effective than control/vehicle groups in new vascular, epidermal, and granulation tissue organization, with stronger PDGF, VEGF, and collagen staining [PMID:33717624].

Preuve DMalignant Melanoma

Ethanolic extract was studied for cytotoxic effects on A375 melanoma cells [PMID:36708577].

Preuve DUrinary tract infections (Uropathogenic E. coli)

Rhizome aqueous extract was found to enhance the activity of ciprofloxacin and photodynamic therapy (PDT) against uropathogenic E. coli [PMID:34959499].

Preuve DAlzheimer's Disease symptoms

Rhizomes were evaluated for in vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activity [PMID:28278615].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and one clinical trial for OCD. There is a lack of comprehensive human safety and dosage data.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 21803067 (2011) — Ecdysteroids from Polypodium vulgare L. · Steroids
2.PMID: 31527294 (2019) — A review on the management of asthma in the Avicenna's Canon of Medicine. · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine
3.PMID: 31538499 (2021) — Isolation and structural determination of flavan-3-ol derivatives from the Polypodium vulgare L. rhizomes water extract. · Natural product research
4.PMID: 36708577 (2023) — Cytotoxic Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Polypodium Vulgare on Human Malignant Melanoma Cell Line. · Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP
5.PMID: 33717624 (2020) — An Alternative Approach Wound Healing Field with Polypodium Vulgare. · Medeniyet medical journal

Polypodium vulgare

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Polypodium vulgare

Rheum officinale

Prunus avium

Monk Fruit

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Polypodium vulgare

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Polypodium vulgare

Plantes associées

Rheum officinale

Prunus avium

Monk Fruit

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales