Health Benefits
1. Improving Digestive System Function
Studies have shown that flavonoids in Adiantum capillus-veneris activate K+ channels or black Ca++ mechanism, having anti-diarrhea and anti-colic effects. It also shows the same effect of Loperamide when 300 and 500 mg/kg dosage is used. When potassium channel is opened and calcium channel is closed, intestine smooth muscles are relieved. This is possible when free calcium ions are decreased inside the cells. Therefore, this plant can have a positive effect on treatment of digestion disorders. It also reduces stomach reflux through inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion, oxidative stress and calcium transfer.
2. Regulating Blood Cholesterol Levels
In a research, the effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris on mice has been investigated, showing that this plant extract significantly lowers LDL and VLDL cholesterol within 10 weeks. This plant extract has no negative effect on HDL cholesterol. Rutin and Naringin flavonoids reduce VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride. The results have been published in the Journal of Revue Roumaine de Chimie in 2015, indicating that phytochemicals of this plant inhibit reductase HMG-CoA enzyme, lowering body cholesterol.
3. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels
A study investigating the effects of this plant on laboratory mice when using different dosage was published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Researches in 2015 and showed that tannin and flavonoid in this plant prevent from increasing blood sugar (anti-hyperglycemia), reducing the risk of diabetes.
4. Anti-Inflammatory
According to a study on laboratory mice, Triterpenoid taken from this plant’s leaves (30 normethyl fernen-22-one and α-hydroxyfilican-3-one 4) has an anti-inflammatory activity. It can control inflammation up 33.07% and 42.03% compared to the anti-inflammatory effect of indomethacin which can control up to 60%. The plant ethanol extract is anti-inflammatory as it blocks oxide nitric distribution.
5. Improving Liver Function
Naringin flavonoid in this plant enhances liver catalase enzyme and superoxide dismutase. This plant also contains substances which detoxify the liver.
Bioactive Compounds
Triterpenoids, Flavonoids, Phenylpropanoids, Alicyclic Compounds and Carotenoids.
Traditional Use
According to the Iran traditional medicine, Adiantum capillus-veneris has a moderate nature which is used for treatment of coughing, cold, bronchitis and Rhinitis. This plant reduces chest mucus, while it is diuretic and anti-fever. It also treats diarrhea and jaundice and improves liver and spleen function.
Some Questions about Maidenhair Fern
What is the scientific name of Adiantum?
Adiantum is a genus of ferns. There are various species within the Adiantum genus, and each may have a specific epithet to distinguish it from others. For example, the maidenhair fern commonly found in gardens is often referred to as Adiantum capillus-veneris.
What is maidenhair fern good for?
Here are some of the properties and traditional medicinal uses of maidenhair:
1. Maidenhair for the Respiratory Tract: Its leaves contain mucilage and are used as an expectorant in traditional medicine to treat cold and cough symptoms. The mucilage in the leaves has soothing properties for the throat and sinuses, facilitating the expulsion of mucus and breathing. Maidenhair, because of its characteristics, can be used to treat asthma, infections, and inflammatory respiratory diseases.
2. Maidenhair for the Stomach: The antioxidant components found in maidenhair, flavonoids, possess anti-diarrheal and antispasmodic properties. These components have been shown by researchers to have therapeutic benefits for gastrointestinal diseases. Consuming this plant also helps to reduce gastric acid secretion and improve stomach reflux.
3. Maidenhair for Weight Loss: In 2017, researchers investigated the anti-obesity effects of maidenhair on rats with a high-cholesterol diet. Briefly, maidenhair contains bioactive compounds that can inhibit crucial gastrointestinal enzymes involved in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (starch) and lipids (fat and cholesterol) in the body. As a result, it is effective for managing blood glucose levels (diabetes) and obesity.
4. Maidenhair for Hair Growth: In 2014, researchers studied the effect of the ethanol extracts of maidenhair on testosterone-induced hair loss in male animal models. According to the researchers, the flavonoids present in the fern may play a role in promoting hair growth, and it can be used in commercial formulations for androgenic alopecia. Maidenhair is now utilized in commercial products as a hair tonic in the form of a topical solution, anti-dandruff shampoos, and moisturizing lotions.
5. Maidenhair for Skin: In some traditional medicine, maidenhair is used for dermatological diseases, claiming to have moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Potential: Maidenhair contains bioactive compounds with significant anti-inflammatory activity.
7. Maidenhair for the Liver: Maidenhair is rich in substances that detoxify and cleanse the liver.
8. Antioxidant Properties: According to some studies, maidenhair fern has antioxidant properties that can be beneficial for general health. Antioxidants help fight against oxidative stress, or the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body.
What are the benefits of maidenhair fern for men?
Maidenhair fern, due to its detoxifying and antioxidant properties, can mitigate the harmful effects of chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor that has garnered significant attention in recent decades due to its widespread use, persistence in the environment, and potential toxic effects on human and animal health. The male reproductive system, developmental disorders, the nervous system, diabetes, and cancer are the primary targets of this chemical's toxicity, which has strong estrogenic effects. A study on male mice demonstrates that the antioxidant properties of maidenhair fern protect the male reproductive system from the estrogenic effects of BPA.
