Common Ladyfern
Athyrium filix-femina
Athyrium filix-femina, commonly known as Lady Fern, is a traditional plant found in various temperate regions worldwide. While it has not been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, studies have shown that its stomatal responses are regulated by leaf hydraulics rather than metabolism. Scientific evidence also indicates that Athyrium filix-femina can accumulate mercury and other trace elements like Ba, Cd, Hg, Mo, Mn, Ni, Zn, and lanthanides, with varying levels depending on the ecosystem, particularly in areas near former mining sites. Notably, fern rhizomes from related species such as Dryopteris filix-mas and Matteuccia struthiopteris have been used traditionally in Norway for additional fodder. Safety concerns are minimal, with no major issues recorded; similarly, there is no reported evidence of drug interactions associated with this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Stomatal responses to changes in leaf water status in fern Athyrium filix-femina are regulated by leaf hydraulics rather than metabolism.
- Athyrium filix-femina accumulated mercury, with varying levels across different ecosystems near former mining sites.
- Athyrium filix-femina ferns moderately accumulated several trace elements, including Ba, Cd, Hg, Mo, Mn, Ni, Zn and lanthanides, with anthropogenic pollution primarily affecting iron levels in some regions.
- Fern rhizomes, particularly from Dryopteris filix-mas and Matteuccia struthiopteris, were traditionally used as additional fodder in Norway.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Ladyfern?
Common Ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Ladyfern?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Ladyfern; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Stomatal responses to changes in leaf water status in fern Athyrium filix-femina are regulated by leaf hydraulics rather than metabolism.
How strong is the evidence for Common Ladyfern?
The strongest finding for Common Ladyfern carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Ladyfern safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Ladyfern in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Ladyfern interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Ladyfern in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Ladyfern?
Common Ladyfern is also known as: Кочедыжник женский, Athyrium fougère-femelle.
Is Common Ladyfern a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Fern rhizomes as fodder in Norway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of environmental and health risks in former polymetallic ore mining and smelting area, Slovakia: Spatial distribution and accumulation of mercury in four different ecosystems. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hydraulics Regulate Stomatal Responses to Changes in Leaf Water Status in the Fern Athyrium filix-femina. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Which trace elements are accumulated in fronds of the Athyrium filix-femina fern? a study from the Czech Republic. literature abstract metadata