Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is a plant that is native to Europe. It is used as a favoring in alcoholic drinks and is sometimes used as medicine.
Maidenhair fern contains chemicals that might help reduce swelling (inflammation).
Maidenhair fern is used for cough, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), wound healing, hair loss, and several other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse maidenhair fern with Ginkgo, which is sometimes called maidenhair tree.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for MAIDENHAIR FERN overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Maidenhair fern is likely safe when taken in the small amounts used as a flavoring in alcoholic drinks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if maidenhair fern is safe when taken in larger amounts as a medicine. Very large amounts may cause vomiting in some people.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if maidenhair fern is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Maidenhair fern is likely safe when taken in the small amounts used as a flavoring in alcoholic drinks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if maidenhair fern is safe when taken in larger amounts as a medicine. Very large amounts may cause vomiting in some people.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if maidenhair fern is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy: Maidenhair fern is unsafe to use when pregnant.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if maidenhair fern is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for MAIDENHAIR FERN overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of maidenhair fern might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 172 -- Food additives permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.510
Khoramian L, Sajjadi SE, Minaiyan M. Anti-inflammatory effect of Adiantum capillus-veneris hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Avicenna J Phytomed 2020;10(5):492-503. View abstract.
Yuan Q, Zhang X, Liu Z, et al. Ethanol extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting NF-?B activation. J Ethnopharmacol 2013;147(3):603-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.046. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.