PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 21 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a diverse genus of seedless vascular plants found in various forest ecosystems [PMID:29111475, PMID:21924813].
Background
Athyrium filix-femina is a fern species characterized by phenotypic plasticity and effective gene exchange via long-distance spore dispersal [PMID:21636465]. It is part of the Athyrium genus, which contains approximately 160-220 species [PMID:29111475].
Traditional uses
In Norway, the rhizomes of selected fern species, including those used as fodder (moldfôr), were historically collected, particularly in North Norwegian counties like Nordland and Troms during early spring fodder shortages [PMID:27600530].
Active compounds
Volatile organic compounds identified in Athyrium filix-femina include 2-phenylethanal and 1-octen-3-ol [PMID:21121267].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DCancer cell proliferation (Breast, Lung, Colon)
An ethanolic extract of a related species, Athyrium hohenackerianum, exhibited cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 colon cancer cells (IC50 123.90 μg/mL), causing cell arrest in the S phase and inducing apoptosis [PMID:35692581]
Safety & adverse effects
Athyrium filix-femina can accumulate heavy metals from the soil, including zinc, cadmium, copper, lead, and mercury; specifically, mercury content in the plants has been noted to present an ecological risk [PMID:27557601, PMID:28633101, PMID:40555890].
Evidence summary
The available evidence is primarily botanical, ecological, and environmental, with one in vitro study on a related species showing cytotoxic potential. There are no human clinical trials.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 40555890 (2025) — Which trace elements are accumulated in fronds of the Athyrium filix-femina fern? a study from the Czech Republic. · Environmental monitoring and assessment
- 2.PMID: 21636465 (2007) — Patterns of variation of a common fern (Athyrium filix-femina; Woodsiaceae): population structure along and between altitudinal gradients. · American journal of botany
- 3.PMID: 27600530 (2016) — Fern rhizomes as fodder in Norway. · Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
- 4.PMID: 30538169 (2019) — Hydraulics Regulate Stomatal Responses to Changes in Leaf Water Status in the Fern Athyrium filix-femina. · Plant physiology
- 5.PMID: 29111475 (2018) — A total-evidence phylogeny of the lady fern genus Athyrium Roth (Athyriaceae) with a new infrageneric classification.