Northern Maidenhair - Adiantum aleuticum

• Other Names: Aleutian maidenhair^[E-flora]

Thiaminase Basketry, Hair Wash Congestion, Fevers, Rheumatism

Synonyms

• Adiantum pedatum subsp. aleuticum (Rupr.) Calder & Roy L. Taylor
• Adiantum pedatum subsp. calderi Cody
• Adiantum pedatum subsp. subpumilum (W.H. Wagner) Lellinger
• Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum Rupr.
• Adiantum pedatum var. subpumilum W.H. Wagner ^[E-flora]

"Adiantum pedatum is a FERN growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3. The seeds ripen from Aug to October.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil." ^[PFAF]

This species as listed subtaxa ^[E-flora]

Status:

• Adiantum aleuticum var. aleuticum = Native
• Adiantum aleuticum var. subpumilum = Native ^[E-flora]

General: "Deciduous perennial, palmately branched, from a stout, scaly rhizome, 15-75 cm tall." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
Leaves: "Broadly fan-shaped, 10-75 cm long; stalks reddish-brown to purplish-black; blades more or less palmately-pinnate, set at right angles to the stalks and more or less parallel to the ground, 10-40 cm long, 10-40 cm wide, rounded to kidney-shaped, forked at the bases into 2 recurved-spreading divisions which in turn bear 2-several shorter divisions, the larger divisions with 15-35, alternate, short-stalked" ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
Notes: "Small plants with small fronds (5 to 15 cm across) and strongly overlapping ultimate segments were described as A. pedatum L. var. subpumilum Wagner. They clearly belong to this species, but no formal nomenclatural transfer has been done yet. This variety is rare on coastal bluffs from northern Vancouver Island south to the Olympic Peninsula, WA." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
Habitat / Range
"Moist forests, rocks, scree, cliffs, banks and waterfall spray zones in the lowland and montane zones; frequent throughout BC, mostly S of 55°N, infrequent in SC BC; amphiberingian, N to AK, E to SW AB and S to CO, AZ and CA; disjunct E to PQ and NF and S to PA, WV and MI; E Asia."^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
"N. America - Alaska to Quebec and Nova Scotia, south to California and Georgia. E. Asia" ^[PFAF]

Hazards

Thiaminase containing family: "Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]." ^[PFAF]

Other Uses

• Basketry: "The stipe of the plant is used as an ornament in basketry[172, 157]. The leaves can be used as a lining for carrying or storing fruits in baskets and on racks[257]." ^[PFAF] Hupa weavers preferred the strong black color of five-finger fern (Adiantum aleuticum) gathered at higher altitudes to the brownish stems gathered from the lowlands. ^{[Anderson TTW]} "Black half of stem used as design overlay in finely woven baskets (Ortiz 1996/97: 27, 1998: 26)." [Ortiz, GTR]
• Hair Care: "The plant is used as a hair conditioner[172]. The stems have been used as a hair wash to make the hair shiny[222]." ^[PFAF] American Indians used the ash of the Five-finger Fern (Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum) rubbed into the hair to enhance their shiny black braids.^{[Cheryll_Williams]} "Dried or fresh leaves gathered before the spores form steeped in boiled water to make hair rinse (Ortiz and others 2006: 123)." [Ortiz, GTR]
• Groundcover: Plants can be used for ground cover when planted about 30cm apart either way, they form a slowly spreading clump[208].^[PFAF]

Medicinal Uses

"This plant was highly valued as a medicinal plant in the 19th century and merits scientific investigation[222]." ^[PFAF]

• Tea: "A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of nasal congestion, asthma, sore throats etc[222]." ^[PFAF]
• Decoction: "A decoction of the root was massaged into rheumatic joints[257]." ^[PFAF]
• Styptic: "The N. American Indians chewed the fronds and then applied them to wounds to stop bleeding[213]." ^[PFAF]
• Emetic: "A strong infusion of the whole plant was has been used as an emetic in the treatment of ague and fevers[257]." ^[PFAF]

Adiantum pedatum; "The Cherokee of North America gathered dried fronds, powdered them, and then smoked the powder for heart problems (Hamel and Chiltoskey 1975). The complete plant was powdered and smoked to relieve asthma attacks."[UAPDS] "The blades, stem and root of this fern are all used in the treatment of female maladies. In syrup or infusion, the roots of this fern have been used by the white man in the treatment of chronic affections of the respiratory tract. It is also said to be of value for the relief of cough."[HuronSmith Menomini] "The Forest Potawatomi used an infusion of the root to cure caked breasts in the nursing mother. It is drunk as a tea. Among the whites,227 the entire plant has been used for its pectoral, mucilaginous, expectorant, refrigerant and tonic properties. Another authority228 says that the herb has been used for its refrigerant, expectorant, tonic and sub-astringent properties. It has been used as a decoction in febrile diseases, helps coughs, catarrh, hoarseness, influenza, asthma and pleurisy."[HuronSmith Zuni]

Pharmacology

• "The whole plant is considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral and tonic[172, 222, 240]." ^[PFAF]

Cultivation

"Easily grown in a cool moist shady position[1, 187]. Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil[1]. Prefers an alkaline soil[200]. Requires an acid soil according to another report. A very ornamental plant[1], it does not always succeed outdoors in Britain[1]. It probably prefers to be covered in snow overwinter - could a mulch help[1]? This species is often divided into three separate species by botanists - the type species is found in eastern N. America, A. aleuticum is found in western N. America and a third species is found in eastern Asia[270]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Plants have a slowly-increasing rootstock[233]." ^[PFAF]

Propagation

"Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep them humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division in spring or autumn." ^[PFAF]

References

1. [E-flora] - Adiantum aleuticum, http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Adiantum%20aleuticum&redblue=Both&lifeform=5, Accessed April 8, 2015
2. [PFAF]Adiantum pedatum - Northern Maidenhair,American Maidenhair Fern, http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Adiantum+pedatum, Accessed April 8, 2015

Adiantum Sp.

"Plant in soil or rock crevices; rhizome short-creeping, scales variously colored. Leaf: < ± 1 m; stipe cylindric, generally dark red-brown to ± black, shiny, ± scaly at base; blade 2–3-pinnate or ± palmate-pinnate (1st division ± palmate, subsequent ones pinnate), pinnae stalked, fan-shaped or oblong, generally lobed, toothed, or both; axes, blades lacking colored exudate. Sporangia: borne along veins on and covered by highly modified, recurved part of segment margin, appearing to run together at maturity; false indusia ± semicircular to linear; spores generally smooth, tan.
± 200 species: tropics, temperate. (Greek: unwettable) Widely cultivated." ^[Jepson]

Local Species;

1. Adiantum aleuticum - northern maiden-hair

Other non-local Species in B.C.

1. Adiantum capillus-veneris - southern maiden-hair (common maidenhair) [Rare in Eastern B.C.]

Uses of Various Adiantum Sp.

"Adiantum Linn. of Adiantaceae family is one of the most common and widely distributed species. Ethnomedicinally, the genus is important and popularly known as “Hansraj” in Ayurvedic System of Medicine. It has been used in cold, tumors of spleen, liver and other viscera, skin diseases, bronchitis and inflammatory diseases. It is also considered as tonic and diuretic." ^(singh2008)

"The Indians of the Pacific Northwest dried berries over a fire using a lattice of cedar strips with Adiantum fronds spread on the top. The ber- ries were spread on the ferns and winnowed out when dried. (Underhill, 1945)." ^(may1978)

Adiantum sp
Emmenagogue Duke,1972; Expectorant Duke,1972 ^[Duke]

Adiantum - Fronds - Syrup, infusion - Demulcent, stimulant, expectorant ^{(Ernst T. Stuhr)}

^{(Mannan.,2008)}

Phytochemicals

^{(Sharma et al,2013)}

Antimicrobial Activity

"In the present study its four important species, i.e. Adiantum capillus–veneris, Adiantum peruvianum, Adiantum venustum and Adiantum caudatum were collected and extracted with methanol. These extracts were tested for their antimicrobial agents against five gram positive, six gram negative (including multiresistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus) and eight fungal strains using standard microdilution assay. The maximum activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract of Adiantum venustum followed by Adiantum capillus–veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum. The methanolic extract of Adiantum capillus–veneris had very low MIC value (0.48 g/ml) against Escherichia coli whereas, Adiantum venustum extract against Aspergillus terreus with MIC of 0.97 g/ml. Total phenolic constituents of Adiantum species viz. Adiantum venustum, Adiantum capillus–veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum were 0.81% (w/w), 0.83% (w/w), 0.71% (w/w) and 0.52% (w/w), respectively (as gallic acid equivalent); implying that the observed activity could be related to the amount of phenolics." ^(singh2008)

"The total phenolic content of the methanolic extract of selected species was determined employing the methods of Slinkard and Singleton (1977) and Chandler and Dodds (1983) involving the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid as standard. Total phenolic constituents of Adiantum species viz. Adiantum venustum, Adiantum capillus–veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum were 0.81% (w/w), 0.83% (w/w), 0.71% (w/w) and 0.52% (w/w), respectively." ^(singh2008)

"The test microorganisms used for the antimicrobial screen- ing were 11 bacteria—Micrococcus luteus (MTCC-106), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC-121), Bacillus cereus (MTCC-430), Enterobacter aerogenes (MTCC-111), Escherichia coli (MTCC-443), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC-109), Proteus mirabilis (MTCC-1429), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-424), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-96), Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC-98) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (MTCC-2672), and 8 fungi viz. Candida albicans (MTCC-183) and Cryptococcus albidus (MTCC-2661), Trichophyton rubrum (MTCC-296), Aspergillus niger (MTCC-16404), Aspergillus flavus (MTCC-1973), Aspergillus spinulosus (MTCC-16919), Aspergillus terreus (MTCC-1782) and Aspergillus nidulans (MTCC-11267)." ^(singh2008)

"The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) values of methanolic extracts of four Adiantum species were evaluated.... The methanolic extracts of Adiantum capillus–veneris gave low MIC values against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans with concentration of 7.81 g/ml, 0.48 g/ml and 3.90 g/ml. However, the Adiantum peruvianum, Adiantum venustum and Adiantum caudatum against Micrococcus luteus (3.90 g/ml), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.81 g/ml), Aspergillus terreus (0.97 g/ml) and Micrococcus luteus (15.62 g/ml), Candida albicans (7.81 g/ml). The data showed that the activity of the methanolic extracts of Adiantum species was better to standard antibiotics Gentamicin and Ketoconzole". ^(singh2008)

"Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoid and tannin along with reducing sugar in all the species investigated, while triterpenoids, steroids and glycosides were absent in all the species. Saponin was present only in Adiantum caudatum and Adiantum venesutum. The total phenolic content and other phytochemical constituents present in these species may responsible for potent antimicrobial activity. Some of the higher phenols like ellagic acid and gallic acid have also been reported for potent antimicrobial activity (Gyamfi and Aniya, 2002)." ^(singh2008)

"All selected Adiantum species especially Adiantum venustum and Adiantum capillus–veneris showed potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Trichophyton rubrum and Aspergillus terreus and proved to be a good and new source as antimicrobial agents." ^(singh2008)

Antibiotic Research & Seasonal Potency

"The ferns of "Adiantum group" seem to be a good source of antibiotic sub- stances, since two-thirds of the ferns tested possessed antibiotic activity. The antimicrobial property of Adiantum caudatum, A. peruvianum, A. philippense, A. venustum, Hemionites arifolia and Aleuritopteris albomarginata, which have uses in folk medicine, has been confirmed." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

• "Adiantum venustum, reported to be used in the treatment of tuberculosis (Kirtikar et al., 1935), was found to be weakly active against Mycobacterium phlei." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}
• Adiantum cuneatum Langsd. and Fisch., A. gracillimum var. marsellii Ag. did "not inhibit any of the test organisms" ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

"There is considerable variation in the distribution of antibiotic substances within the plant. In Adiantum caudatum and Ampelopteris prolifera, the active principle is distributed throughout the plants, though antibiotic spectra differ in different organs. In Polypodium irioides and Pteris wallichiana, it is located only in the rhizome. In several plants, e.g., Adiantum williamsii, A. peruvianum, Aleuritopteris rufa, the active principles were detected only in the sporophylls." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

"Adiantum capillus-veneris, which is extensively used in folk medicine, however, is only moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-sensitive strain)." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

"It was observed that Adiantum caudatum possesses at least 2 active principles; unfortunately neither of them could be isolated in the pure form (Banerjee, 1974)." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

"The following pteridophytes which were found to be antibiotically inactive by some previous workers yielded positive results under our conditions: Adiantum capillus-veneris (Madsen and Pates, 1952; Nickell, 1959), A. caudatum (Dhar et al., 1968),..." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

"The antibiotic titre in Adiantum caudatum was found to be minimal in June- July and rises thereafter, being maximal at January, which was then followed by a gradual fall. Similar results were also obtained with Ampelopteris prolifera. In this case antibiotic activity was highest during the months of January-March and decreased gradually afterwards." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

"Apart from seasonal variations, ecological conditions may also modify anti- biotic activity. Although in many cases it was observed that pteridophyte species collected from different parts of India showed similar activity at a particular time of the year, exceptions were not uncommon. Thus Adiantum caudatum ... collected at Kalyani, Kanchrapara and Shibpore in September were antibiotically active but another one collected from Baikunthapur, miles away, was inactive." ^{(Banerjee&Sen)}

Mycorrhiza

• Adiantum bonatianum AM (arbuscular mycorrhiza ^(wang2006)
• Adiantum capillus-veneris AM + NM ^(wang2006)
• Adiantum edgewothii AM ^(wang2006)
• Adiantum flabellulatum AM ^(wang2006)
• Adiantum malesianum NM (nonmycorrhiza) ^(wang2006)
• Adiantum philipense AM ^(wang2006)

Adiantum sp. - hyperaccumulator (Brooks et al. (1990, 1992b)) ^{(Ginocchio & Baker,2004)}

Adiantum aethiopicum L.

"The native range of this species is Tropical & S. Africa, Madagascar, Australasia to New Caledonia. It grows primarily in the wet tropical biome." ^(PWO-2)

"Adiantum aethiopicum L.-Infusion of leaves used as an emollient in coughs and diseases of the chest (Caius, 1935)." ^(puri1970)

Adiantum aethiopicum - Whole plant - Congestion - "Leaf poultices are applied for skin diseases and swelling." ^{(Gul et al.,2016)}

Adiantum caudatum L.

"The native range of this species is Tropical & Subtropical Asia to SW. Pacific. It is a rhizomatous geophyte or epiphyte and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome." ^(PWO-3)

"Many ferns of traditional use such as like Adiantum caudatum, .... are threatened and rare in Nepal (Fraser-Jenkins et al. 2015, Fraser-Jenkins & Kandel 2019)." ^{(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)}

"Adiantum caudatum L.-Fronds used for diabetes, coughs (Kirtikar & Basu; Chopra et al), and for migraine (Stewart, 1869). Also used externally for skin diseases (Chopra et al)." ^(puri1970)

Adiantum caudatum L. - "About four tablespoons of decoction prepared from plant is given twice a day in case of gastric troubles (Manandhar 1993). Juice of the rhizome is used for the treatment of fever and indigestion (Manandhar 2002). Green leaves are used in skin infection, decoction of dried leaves is used for the treatment of cough and fever. Leaf juice is used for the treatment of diabetes (Joshi & Joshi 2008)." ^{(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)}

Adiantum caudatum - Fronds - wound healing - "Fronds extract is used to relieve intestinal gripping, as tonic& styptic." ^{(Gul et al.,2016)}

Maidenhair - Adiantum capillus-veneris

Botanical Description & Habitat

"These plants are found in sandy alluvial soil deposited in rock-crevices near waterfalls or under the moist and shady places on the humus rich soil. Rhizome slender, creeping to sub-erect, 10-30 cm long bearing fronds, roots and narrow lanceolate scales. Fronds are bipinnate, stipe slender, shining black. Sporangia leptosporangiate with tetrahedral, triangular, smooth walled spores ¹¹." ^{(Parihar., 2006)}

"Adiantium Capillus-Veneris has a long history of legends surrounding it. Adiantum derived its name from the Greek "adiantos" meaning un- moistened. This is doubtlessly due to its property of repelling water. Pliny said "It is in vain to plunge the Adiantum into water because it always remains dry." Venus was said to have arisen from the sea with dry hair, so the name Capillus-Veneris was attached to the plant. In the Catholic Church this fern was sometimes called the Virgin's Hair. (DoMing, 1900)." ^(may1978)

Safety & Hazards

Hazards: "No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with proper administration of therapeutic dosages." ^[PDR]

Pregnancy: "Not to be used during pregnancy." ^[PDR]

Medicinal Parts & Production

"Adiantum capillus-veneris L.-According to Watt, the bulk of Adiantum sold medicinally in India is this species." ^(puri1970)

• Medicinal Parts: "The dried fronds (Maidenhair) are used as a drug as well the dried herb with rhizome and roots (Maidenhair with roots)." ^[PDR] The whole plant is used as medicine (Bhagat & Shrestha 2010). ^{(Ojha et al., 2021)}
• Production: "The fronds are gathered in June and dried." ^[PDR]

Phytochemicals & Pharmacology

• Phytochemicals: Flavonoids, Proanthocyanidins, Hydroxycinnamic acid ester. ^[PDR] "The main constituents include tannic acid, gallic acid, and traces of an essential oil. This produces a pleasant tonic flavor. Derivatives are used mainly in the formation of syrups. The syrups are used as a flavor modifier.... and is also allowed in alcoholic beverages under F.D.A. statute 121.1163. (Giovanni, 1971)." ^(may1978)
• Pharmacology: The drug is an expectorant, beneficial in bringing up phlegm, and a demulcent. ^[PDR]

Activities

• Antibacterial ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Anticancer ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Antifungal ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Antitussive (frond Infusion or decoction in milk) ^{(guarrera2005)}
• Antiviral ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Aphrodisiac ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Demulcent [PDR] (leaf extract) ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Dewormer ^{(Medeiros et al.,2023)}
• Diuretic ^{(Medeiros et al.,2023)(Hamayun,2006)}
• Emetic ^{(Hamayun,2006)}
• Emmenagogue ^(puri1970)
• Emollient (leaf extract) ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Expectorant [PDR] (Diabetes) ^{(Hamayun,2006)}
• Hypoglycaemic ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Pecoral ^{(Medeiros et al.,2023)}
• Purative (leaf extract) ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Stimulant (leaf extract) ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Tonic (leaf extract) ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Topical ("The whole plant is made into a paste along with aloe gel") ^{(Karthik,V.,et al.,2011)}

Indications

• Brochial disorders leaf extract ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Cough ^{(Hamayun,2006)} leaf extract ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Fever ^{(Hamayun,2006)} leaf extract ^{(Parihar.,2006)}
• Haemorrhaging in childbirth, pain in chilbirth (fronds - Decoction) ^{(guarrera2005)}
• Hair tonic (leaf extract) ^{(Parihar.,2006)}

Medicinal Uses

Respiratory Health

"It is still taken as an infusion in Spain, Belgium and the Canary Islands to treat bronchitis, coughs and whooping cough,..." ^[PDR] "Whole plant... is expectorant used in cough and throat and bronchial disorder. Leaves mixed with honey are useful in seasonal cold fever." ^{(Semwal et al.,2021)} "Juice of frond is mixed with honey and used for the treatment of cough" ^{(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)} "A decoction of the fronds is considered quite effective in all types of bronchial troubles." ^{(puri1970)(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)}

Hair & Skin Care

Because of its similarity to hair, the drug was used to treat a lack of hair growth and to promote dark hair color. ^[PDR] "An infusion of the herb serves as a shampoo against dandruff and also promotes hair growth" ^(puri1970) The leaves/leaflets are similar to female hair and used to treat hair weakness. ^{(Chandra et al.)} Whole plant - "The paste is also used as hair tonic by applied on head." ^{(Karthik,V.,et al.,2011)} "The tincture is used in hair tonics". ^(may1978)

• External Applications: Used for skin diseases, cuts, and wounds (as a paste with aloe gel). ^{(Hamayun, 2006)(Karthik et al., 2011)} Leaf paste applied externally to prevent bleeding. ^{(Ojha et al., 2021)}

Reproductive & Childbirth Health

Used for painful and excessive menstruation. ^[PDR] "...employed against haemorrhages of women in labour and pain in childbirth." ^{(guarrera2005)} Taken as an infusion "for painful and excessive menstruation." ^[PDR]

Used for female sterility. ^{(Gul et al., 2016)} "...believed to have magical powers in treatment of female reproductive system." ^{(Redzic, 2007)} Female sterility - "5 g fresh leaf along with 100 g rice is made into a cake and the boiled cake is taken orally in empty stomach for 15-20 days." ^{(Gul et al.,2016)}

General Ailments

• Pain: "A paste of plant is applied to the forehead to relieve headache and to chest to relieve chest pain." ^{(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)}
• Fever & Infections: Used for fever. ^{(Hamayun, 2006)} "The juice of the plant with pepper is recommended for all types of fevers" ^(puri1970)
• Bites: Fresh juice of fronds used orally against snake/dog bites. ^{(Gul et al., 2016)} Root juice for snake and scorpion bites. ^{(Ojha et al., 2021)}
• Internal Disorders: Used for renal disorders. ^{(Gertsch, 2004)}

Administration & Dosage

• Mode of Administration: Taken internally as a tea prepared from the ground or powdered drug. ^[PDR] "Adiantum Capillus-Veneris has been used in decoctions, infusions, fluid extracts, and tinctures." ^(may1978)
• Daily Dosage: Standard single dose is 1.5 gm of the drug to 1 cup of liquid per dose. ^[PDR] For sterility: 5 g fresh leaf along with 100 g rice made into a cake, taken on an empty stomach for 15-20 days. ^{(Gul et al., 2016)}
• Storage: Protect from light. ^[PDR]

Ethnobotany & Folklore

The only convincing evidence of it being a folk herb in Britain/Ireland comes from the Aran Islands, where fronds were used for tea. ^[MPFT] Historical mention by Sushruta and Charaka (100 A.D.). ^{(Parihar., 2006)} Used by the Bharara (Tharu tribe) in Jadu-Tona (Black Magic). ^{(Semwal et al., 2021)} Used for hydrophobia by physicians of the Persian system of medicine. ^(puri1970)

Ornamental Uses: "In Hawaii the glossy black stipes of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris and Dryopteris decipiens are made into ornamented baskets and hats. The Dryopteris is not considered a very high quality material. (Medina, 1959)." ^(may1978)

Sirop de Capillaire: "It was also the principle ingredient in the famous "Sirop de Capillaire." This recipe was much beloved by early herbalists and was supposed to cure a vast number of diseases. To reproduce this recipe take 5 oz of dried Adiantum C.v., add 2 oz of peeled licorice root and 5 pints of boiling water. After six hours of steeping, add 3 pounds of sugar and 1 pint of orange juice. (Coon, 1963). Orange or lemon blossoms were sometimes substituted for the orange juice." ^(may1978)

"It is used for hydrophobia by the physicians of the Persian system of medicine (Watt)." ^(puri1970)

Adiantum incism Foressk.

Adiantum incism Foressk. - Leaves - Falling hairs, malaria and bronchial diseases. cough, diabetes and fever - "Frond juice is used for hair massage. Fresh juice of leaf is used to lower blood sugar." ^{(Gul et al.,2016)}

Adiantum jordanii Müll.Hal.

"The native range of this species is SW. Oregon to Mexico (Baja California)." ^(PWO-4)

Adiantum jordanii - California maidenhair fern - "NW: Dried or fresh leaves gathered before the spores form and steeped in boiled water to make hair rinse; applied after shampooing to soften hair. A teaspoon of leaves steeped in a cup of boiled water to treat fevers; the resultant tea taken two to three times a day until fever gone. Caution: Some people are allergic to the tea (Ortiz 1998, Ortiz and others 2006: 124). ^(Ortiz,GTR)

Adiantum lunulatum Burm.

Adiantum lunulatum Burm.f. - "This name is a synonym of Adiantum philippense subsp. philippense" ^(PWO-1)

Adiantum philippense L. [Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f.] - "The whole plants are used as medicine (Bhagat & Shrestha 2010)." ^{(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)}

"Decoction of roots and rhizomes of Adiantum philippense is used in dysentery in India (13)." ^{(Srivastava,2007)}

Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f
"The rhizome is ascending, small, 8 to 22 mm in size, densely covered with fibrous roots, scales and leaf bases. Frond pinnate, 16.5 to 42 cm in length, stipe shining dark brown in colour. The pinnae are more or less lanceolate. In the fertile frond the outer margin of pinnae is smooth bearing an almost continuous sorus (tetraploid plants) or it is broken into 3-5 groups (triploid plants). The sori are linear and protected by the marginal flap or indusium. Each sorus possesses large number of sporangia¹¹."
"Ayurvedic Vaidyas describe the plant as pungent, alexiteric and used for 0.5-1.0 m long, pinnatified or distinctly pinnate below with the pinnae deeply pinnatified, rarely bipinnate or more compound. Rachis surface glabrous, stipes tufted, chestnut brown with scaly base. Sori large in two rows between the main veins, on the netted veins or at the apex of free veinlets with a reniform or usually peltate indusium. Sporangia typical leptosporangiate with vertical annulus, 48-64 monolete spores are produced per sporangium."
"The plant occurs frequently at Mt. Abu so the Bheel use it frequently as medicinal plant. The leaves mixed with honey or decoction of leaves is given to asthma and bronchitis patients. Woodcutters use the paste of leaves on the place of irritation caused by stings of honeybee, centipeds, etc¹⁴." ^{(Parihar.,2006)}

"Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f.-One of the constituents of Hansraj, the drug esteemed in India for coughs. It is considered a bronchio-dilator, diuretic (Chopra et al) and pectoral (Caius). In western India used extensively in the treatment of fevers of children; the rootstock is considered good for fever and elephan- tiasis (Kirtikar & Basu)." ^(puri1970)

Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f. - "The whole plant is ground into a paste with turmeric and applied over the affected places to treat pimples and wounds; The whole plant is boiled with water and the decoction is applied externally on the affected places to get relief from body pain and chest ache." ^{(Karthik,V.,et al.,2011)}

Adiantum philippense - "Juice of the fresh leaves are used in dysentery". ^{(Chandra et al.)}

Notes where nomenclature is in question (No classification system found)

The name Adiantum lunulatum is used as a synonym for several species. The following entries could not be definitively classified. ^{(Personal Observation)}

"The common pteridophytes used as fodder and cattle beds are Adiantum lunulatum,..." ^{(Semwal et al.,2021)}

"The powdered rhizomes of Adiantum lunulatum are used as an antidote to snakebite in India." ^{(Semwal et al.,2021)}

"Adiantum lunulatum mixed with black pepper is made into paste and pills. Two pills given twice a day for one month, cures bronchitis and asthma [13]." ^{(Semwal et al.,2021)}

"Substitute for jewellery: The stipe of Adiantum lunulatum is used as nose and ear studs by poor women and girls. It is preferred as it is very smooth." ^{(Semwal et al.,2021)}

Adiantum lunulatum "used for wounds, cuts, sores, snakebites and fever (Ho et al. 2010; delos Angeles 2012 & Buot 2007)." (Mustacisa.,2016)

"The powdered rhizomes of Adiantum lunulatum are used as an antidote to snakebite in India". ^{(Srivastava,2007)}

"Respiratory and throat disorders: .... About ten grams of the whole plant of Adiantum lunulatum mixed with black pepper is made into paste and pills. Two pills given twice a day for one month, cures bronchitis and asthma in India (9). Whole plant of Adiantum capillus veneris is expectorant used in cough and throat and bronchial disorder. Leaves mixed with honey are useful in seasonal cold fever in India (10)." ^{(Srivastava,2007)}

Adiantum myriosorum Baker

Adiantum myrosorum Baker. - Whole plant - Chronic catarrhs and other pectoral affections - "Leaf decoction is given in dysentery." ^{(Gul et al.,2016)}

Adiantum raddianum C.Presl

"The native range of this species is Mexico to Tropical America. It is a perennial or lithophyte and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. It is used to treat unspecified medicinal disorders, as a medicine and has environmental uses." ^(PWO-6)

"Adiantum raddianum C. Presl., used to treat cough, colds, fever, and others (Reinaldo et al. 2018)" ^{(Medeiros et al.,2023)}

"Adiantum raddianum (18 med. cit.) is cited mainly for diseases of the respiratory system, but also against arthritis and rheumatism, among other functions. It is considered very effective in traditional medicine (Reinaldo et al. 2018) and has chemical components described in literature and associated with its medicinal use (like filicene, triterpene associated with its analgesic effects, and other triterpenes) (Reinaldo et al. 2018), in addition to having proven antimicrobial action." ^{(Medeiros et al.,2023)}

"The most cited species (Table 2) is Adiantum raddianum (8 ornamental use citations). It is known as adianto, avenca, capilária, sapatinho-de-anjo and other variations of the name avenca and is the most referred plant with this name. It is very delicate, with a distinct leaf shape, widely marketed and studied by horticulture, with described cultivation and propagation techniques (Amaki & Higuchi 1990, Fujino & Reid 1983). It has several varieties selected for cultivation (Brickell 2003)." ^{(Medeiros et al.,2023)}

Adiantum venustum D.Don

"The native range of this species is Afghanistan to W. & Central China. It grows primarily in the temperate biome." ^(PWO-7)

"Adiantum venustum D. Don-According to Kirtikar and Basu the fronds of this plant are the source of the Indian drug Hansraj. Because of the black color of the stalks of the fronds, it is some- times known by the name of black Hansraj. The plant is adminis- tered as an anodyne in bronchitis and is considered a diuretic and emmenagogue (Stewart, Kirtikar & Basu; Chopra et al). It is a tonic, febrifuge, and expectorant, and is particularly useful as a tonic during convalescence from fevers (Caius)." ^(puri1970)

Adiantum venustum D. Don - "Paste of rhizome is used in cuts and wounds (Manandhar 2002)." ^{(Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021)}

Adiantum venustum - Fronds - Cold & cough - "Dried leaf powder and fresh juice is taken orally." ^{(Gul et al.,2016)}

References

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• (Banerjee&Sen) Banerjee, R. D., and S. P. Sen. "Antibiotic activity of pteridophytes." Economic Botany 34.3 (1980): 284-298.
• (Chandra et al.) Common medicinal ferns of India, Kartik Chandra Guchhait, Asim panda, Manjula Raghu prasad, Suparna barik Sugimani Marndi and Sanjeet Kumar, Medico-Biowealth of India, Volume- VI
• (Duke) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/ethnobot.pl?Adiantum%20sp Accessed Dec 23, 2014
• (Gertsch,2004) Gertsch, Jürg, Kathrin Gertsch-Roost, and Otto Sticher. "Phyllanthus piscatorum, ethnopharmacological studies on a women’s medicinal plant of the Yanomamı̈ Amerindians." Journal of ethnopharmacology 91.2-3 (2004): 181-188.
• (Ginocchio & Baker,2004) Ginocchio, ROSANNA., and ALAN JM Baker. "Metallophytes in Latin America: a remarkable biological and genetic resource scarcely known and studied in the region." Revista chilena de historia natural 77.1 (2004): 185-194.
• (guarrera2005) Guarrera, Paolo Maria. "Traditional phytotherapy in Central Italy (marche, abruzzo, and latium)." Fitoterapia 76.1 (2005): 1-25.
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• (Karthik,V.,et al.,2011) Karthik, V., et al. "Ethnomedicinal uses of pteridophytes in kolli hills, Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India." J Nat Prod Plant Resour 1.2 (2011): 50-55.
• (Mannan.,2008) Mannan, M. Mannar, Muthia Maridass, and B. Victor. "A review on the potential uses of ferns." Ethnobotanical leaflets 2008.1 (2008): 33.
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• (Medeiros et al.,2023) de Medeiros, Caroline Modena, Mara Rejane Ritter, and Felipe Gonzatti. "Ferns and lycophytes: an ethnobotany review for Brazil." Ethnobotany Research and Applications 25 (2023): 1-27.
• (Mustacisa.,2016) Mustacisa, Marife Matic. "Diversity, uses and economic value of ferns: an instrument for epistemological perception." Int J Environ Sci Educ 11.18 (2016): 13111-13146.
• (Ojha,Rijan et al.,2021) Ojha, Rijan, and Hari Prasad Devkota. "Edible and medicinal pteridophytes of Nepal: a review." Ethnobotany Research and Applications 22.16 (2021): 1-16.
• (Ortiz,GTR) Ortiz, Beverly R. "Contemporary California Indians, oaks and sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum)." In: Merenlender, Adina; McCreary, Douglas; Purcell, Kathryn L., tech. eds. 2008. Proceedings of the sixth California oak symposium: today's challenges, tomorrow's opportunities. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-217. Albany, CA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: pp. 39-56. Vol. 217. 2008.
• (Parihar.,2006) Parihar, Pradeep, and Leena Parihar. "Some pteridophytes of medicinal importance from Rajasthan." Natural product radiance 5.4 (2006): 297-301.
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• (Ernst T. Stuhr) Stuhr, Ernst T. "The distribution, abundance and uses of wild drug plants in Oregon and Southern California." Economic Botany (1947): 57-68.
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Plants of the World Online

• (PWO-1) Adiantum lunulatum Burm.f., https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315078-2, Accessed Jan 15, 2026
• (PWO-2) Adiantum aethiopicum L., https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17008760-1, Accessed Jan 15, 2026
• (PWO-3) Adiantum caudatum L., https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325033-2, Accessed Jan 15, 2026
• (PWO-4) Adiantum jordanii Müll.Hal., https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30093455-2, Accessed Jan 15, 2026
• (PWO-5) Adiantum myriosorum Baker, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325050-2, Accessed Jan 15, 2026
• (PWO-6) Adiantum raddianum C.Presl, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17012580-1, Accessed Jan 15, 2026
• (PWO-7) Adiantum venustum D.Don, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17013710-1, Accessed Jan 15, 2026

Journals of Interest

• Devmurari VP, Pandey S, Goyani MB, Jivani NP, Marotrao S and Sivakumar P. Anticancer Activity of Plant: Adiantum venustum Don. Int J of Pharm Res 2010; 2:488–494.
• Hussain MM, Muthuprasanna P, Srinivasarao T, Velraj M, Shanmugapandian P and Suriaprabha K. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Adiantum venustum. Res Rev Biosci 2008; 2:102–104.
• Imperato F. A xanthone-O-glycoside from Asplenium adiantum-nigrum. Phytochemistry 1980;19: 2030–2031.
• Mubashir S and Shah WA. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review Profile of Adiantum venustum. Int J of PharmTech Res 2011; 32:827–830.
• Reinaldo RCPS, Feitosa IS, Santiago ACP, Albuquerque UP. 2018. Adiantum raddianum C. Presl. In: Albuquerque UP, Patil U, Máthé A (eds.) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of South America. Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. Pp. 89-96.
• Sato N, Furuya M (1984) The composition of lipids and fatty adds determined at various stages of haploid and diploid generations in the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris. Physiol Plant 62: 139–147.

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