Common Ladyfern
Athyrium filix-femina
Athyrium filix-femina, commonly known as Lady Fern, originates from traditional medicine practices but has not been widely documented for specific uses. Scientific studies have shown that the stomatal responses in this fern are primarily regulated by leaf hydraulics rather than metabolic processes. While there is no substantial scientific evidence to support its use in traditional medicine, it has been observed that Athyrium filix-femina accumulates various trace elements such as mercury, barium, cadmium, and several lanthanides, with varying levels depending on the ecosystem. Anthropogenic pollution can significantly affect iron levels within these ferns. Notably, fern rhizomes from species like Matteuccia struthiopteris and Dryopteris filix-mas have been traditionally used as additional fodder in Norway but there is no recorded use for Athyrium filix-femina itself. Safety concerns are minimal, with no major issues reported. There are also no known 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