HOME      •      SEARCH      •      EMAIL    •     ABOUT

Family Pteridaceae

Alambrillo
Kulantrillo
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Linn.
COMMON MAIDENHAIR
Shu tie xian jue

Scientific names  Common names
Adiantum affine Willd. Alambrillo (C. Bis., Tag., Span) 
Adiantum africanum R.Br. Kulantrillo de alambre (Phil., Span.)
Adiantum capillaceum Dulac Lettuce de alambre (Phil.)
Adiantum capillus Sw. Common maidenhair fern (Engl.) 
Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. Dudder grass (Engl.)
Adiantum capillus-veneris f. cristatum Moxley Southern maidenhair (Engl.)
Adiantum capillus-veneris var. daphnites W.Bull Venus hair fern (Engl.)
Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum Christ . . .  
Adiantum coriandrifolium Lam.  
Adiantum cuneifolium Stokes  
Adiantum diaphanum var. affine (Willd.) Alderw.  
Adiantum emarginatum Bory ex Willd.  
Adiantum formosum R.Br.  
Adiantum fontanum Salisb.  
Adiantum formosum J.Remy ex Gay  
Adiantum fumarioides Willd.  
Adiantum lingii Ching  
Adiantum maderense Lowe  
Adiantum marginatum Schrad.  
Adiantum michelii Christ  
Adiantum modestum Underw.  
Adiantum moritzianum Link  
Adiantum paradiseae Baker.  
Adiantum pseudocapillus Fée  
Adiantum remyanum Espnisosa  
Adiantum repandum Tausch  
Adiantum rimicola Sloss.  
Adiantum schaffneri E. Fourn.  
Adiantum subemarginatum Christ  
Adiantum trifidum Willd. ex Bolle  
Adiantum visianii Schloss. & Vuk.  
Adiantum capillus-veneris L. is an accepted species. It has 41 synonyms. KEW: Plants of the World Online

Other vernacular names
BRAZIL: Avenca.
CHINESE: Shu tie xian jue.
DANISH: Venushar.
DUTCH: Europees venushaar..
FINNISH: Venuksenhiussaniainen..
FRENCH: Capillaire cheveux-de-Vénus, Capillaire de Montpellier, Cheveux de Vénus.
GERMAN: Uenhaar, Frauenhaarfarn, Venushaarfarn.
ITALIAN: Capelvenere comune.
SPANISH: Alambrillo, Culantrillo comun, Capilaria, Capilera, Culantrillo de pozo, Culantrillo de alambre, Dorandila.
THAI: Foen kan dam, Kut pha, Phak waen han.
VIETNAM: C[aa]y r[as]ng.

Gen info
- Adiantum, the maidenhair fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the subfamily Vittarioidea of the family Pteridaceae. Some researchers place it in its own family, Adiantaceae. (10)
- Etymology: The genus name Adiantum derives from Greek,
meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet.

Botany
Alambrillo is a slow-growing evergreen fern with a short, ascending, and scaly rhizome with spirally arranged, stipitate and compound leaves. Stipes are suberect and rather slender, 10 to 20 centimeters long, polished and dark green. Fronds are bipinnate, with a short terminal pinna and numerous erect lateral ones on each side; the segments (pinnae) are 1 to 2.5 centimeters broad, the base being cuneate and the outer edge rounded. Sori are roundish, situated in the roundish sinuses of the crenations.

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- In the Philippines, found in Batan Island and Nueva Viscaya, Bontoc, Benguet, and Laguna Provinces in Luzon.
- In shady, moist places.
- Usually, flower-pot cultivation for ornamental purposes.

- Distributed all over the world in warm temperate and subtropical climates.

Constituents
- Phytochemical studies have shown triterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and carotenoids.
- Study of fresh fronds of A. capillus-veneris yielded six new migrated hopane triterpenoid alcohols
, viz. pteron-14-en-7a-ol (1), fern-9(11)-en-3a-ol (2), fern-7- en-3a-ol (3), adian-5(10)-en-3a-ol (4), adian-5-en-3a-ol (5) and fern-9(11)-en-28-ol (6).
- Study isolated two new migrated hopane triterpenoids, viz. 4a-hydroxyfilican-3-one and fern-9(11)-en-12ß-ol, and olean-18-en-3-one and olean-12-en-3-one, first example of oleanane compounds, along with other known triterpenoids. (5)
- Study yielded two triterpenic compounds, Davallene 1 and Adipedatol 2, from the roots of Mexican Adiantum capillus-veneris,
- Alcoholic extract fractions of dried fronds yielded seven compounds: four triterpenoidal compounds identified as isoadiantone (1); isoadiantol-B (2); 3-methoxy4-hydroxyfilicane (3) and 3,4-dihydroxyfilicane (4) and three flavonoids identified as quercetin (5), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (6) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) (7).
- GC-MS analysis of whole plant yielded 15 bioactive compounds viz.
Dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester (1), Nonadecane (2), Tetradecanoic acid (3), 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (4), Acetic acid (5), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-hexadecyl ester(6), 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (6), 3,7,11,15- Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (7), Docosane (8), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl octyl ester (9), Phthalic acid (10), butyl octyl ester,n-Hexadecanoic acid (11), Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (12), 9- Octadecenoic acid (13), Octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (14), Di-n-octyl phthalate Tetracontane (15).(29)
- Elemental analysis of leaves by ICP-AES in mg/100gm yielded the following: Cu 01.70, Zn 07.15, Mn 13.55, Fe 17.45, Ca 11.52, Co ND, K 17.95, Na 12.65, Ni 00.20, and Mg 03.90. (30)
- Study of aerial parts for essential oil yielded 88.22% of total oil with 67 components. Among identified phytochemicals, carvone was the main component (31.58%). Moreover, percentage of carvacrol (13.75%), Hexadecanoic acid (5.88%), Thymol (4.05%), Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (3.16%) and n-nonanal (2.99%) were more than other identified constituents. RC50 of this volatile oil was 0.039 mg/mL. (see study below) (32)  
- Study of aerial parts isolated three new hopane-type triterpenoids (1-3) viz. fern-7(8)-en-19α, 28-diol (1), pteron-14-ene-7α,19α,28-triol (2) and 3β,4α,25-trihydroxyfilican (3). (see study below) (51)  

Properties
- Emmenagogue, expectorant, aperitive, diuretic, astringent, febrifuge, emollient.
- Antidandruff, antitussive, demulcent, depurative, emetic, galactagogue, laxative, stimulant and tonic.
- Studies have suggested antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, hair growth-promoting, antiurolithiatic, goitrogenic, antithyroidal, wound healing, antiobesity, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, antidepressant, anxiolytic properties.

Parts used
Leaves, rhizomes.

Uses
Edibility
- Leaves used for tea. Dried fronds used for making tea.
- Syrup made from plant makes a cooling summer drink.
- Fronds used as garnish for sweet dishes.
Folkloric
- In the Philippines fronds are used in the treatment of chest diseases.
- Decoction of leaves (fronds) as tea for chest afflictions, colds, coughs, snoring.
- Promotes appetite and digestive aid. Also, gently laxative.
- Fronds used for cough and cold, also chewed for treatment of mouth blister.
- Frond extract mixed with honey used as an eye ointment.
- Decoction of rhizomes as tea for cough, respiratory problems, fevers, and abdominal colic.
- Externally, for a variety of skin diseases and inflammatory conditions.
- It is used as a postpartum tonic, in doses of two tablespoons every two hours.
- Plant decoction used to regulate menstrual cycle disturbances.
- In Iraq and Iran rhizomes are used as expectorant, and used for difficulty in breathing and to relieve spasms in whooping cough.
- Used for kidney stones and bladder gravel.
- In Mexico, used as aperitive, diuretic, and emmenagogue.
- In China, used for the treatment of bronchitis.
- Used as a lotion for falling hair and baldness.
- In Peruvian Amazon, fronds as infusion or syrup used as diuretic, expectorant and emmenagogue.
- In the Peruvian Andes, shamans and healers use a decoction of rhizome for alopecia, gallstones, and jaundice.
- In the Brazilian Amazon, used as expectorant for bronchitis and coughs. In present day Brazilian herbal medicine, frond and leaf are used for hair loss, coughs, laryngitis, sore throat; to improve appetite and digestion, stimulate renal function, regulate menstruation, and facilitate childbirth.
- In Pakistan, the plant is used for diabetes.
- In India, fresh or dried leafy fronds are used as antidandruff, antitussive, demulcent, depurative, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, laxative, stimulant and tonic. Tea or syrup used for cough, throat affliction, and bronchitis. Also, as detoxicant in alcoholism and to expel worms. Externally, used as poultice for snake bites and bee stings.
- In Ayurveda, Adiantum spp. used for colds, tumors of the liver and spleen skin diseases, bronchitis and inflammatory diseases.

Studies
Antimicrobial: Study on the aerial part of Salsala rasmarinus and Adiantum capillus reported the presence of antimicrobial flavonoids. (1) In a study of Adiantum species, A capillus-veneris was next to
A venustum in degree of activity as antimicrobial agent. ACV had very low MIV value against E coli.
Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils: A lemon yellow colored essential oil was extracted from the leaves of AC which exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against S typhi; mild antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas species, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. (
2)
Antidiabetic / Metal Content: Study focused on the hypoglycemic effects and metal contents of plants. Iron and chromium were found in all anti-diabetic herbs, including A capillus. Water soluble lead was high in A. capillus. The water extracts of plants were found to be better hypoglycemics than the acid digested part with its higher metal content. Study concluded that the metal content did not have any particular relation to the antidiabetic effect of the herbs.
(
3)
Antimicrobial / Phenolic Content: Study of methanolic extracts of Adiantum spp. showed Adiantum capillus-veneris activity against E. coli, activity probably due to its high phenolic content. (
6)
Antifungal: The water extracts and extracted phenols from gametophytes and sporophytes of two ferns – A capillus-veneris and Adiantum lunulatum were tested for antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer. Activity was found higher in the gametophytes and ACV was found a better antifungal than AL. (
7)
Anti-Inflammatory / Antinociceptive: Study investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of a crude ethanolic extract and various fractions of Adiantum capillus-veneris in a carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. Results showed significant analgesic activity comparable to ibuprofen. An anti-inflammatory effect appeared to be due to inhibition of NO release and decrease of TNF-α level. (11) Study evaluated a 50% ethanolic extract of whole plant of Adiantum capillus for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in animals using Eddy's hot plate method, writhing test, formalin test, and carrageenan induced rat paw edema. Results showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, highly significant at 300 mg/kg. (
40)
Antimicrobial / Functional Compounds: An EtOAc fraction exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activities against all tested microorganisms, especially Candida albicans. Phytochemical study showed the fraction to yield the highest total flavones, total phenolic contents, and characterized various compounds. Observed bioactivities were attributed partly to phenolic acids and flavonoids, especially 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside.
Antioxidant / Phytochemicals: Study yielded phenolics and terpenoids (2.73%). fats and waxes (0.20%), alkaloids (0.53%). quaternary and N-oxides (26.33%). and fiber (67.23%). Of ten elements, Ca and K were found at major levels. Results showed the leaves to possess free radical scavenging molecules, with potential use as source of natural antioxidants and nutrients. (14) Study showed crude flavonoids to possess potent antioxidant properties, and presents as a potential source of antioxidants for the medical and food fields. (15)
Phytochemicals / Anti-Inflammatory / Dried Fronds: Study of alcoholic extract and fractions of dried fronds yielded four triterpenoidal compounds and three flavonoids. Biologic studies of the extract and fractions showed anti-inflammatory activity. A total alcoholic extract showed significant hypoglycemic activity. (see constituents above) (19)
Activity Against Testosterone Induced Alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men. Study evaluated the hair growth promoting activity of a preparation of ACV on albino mice using a testosterone-induced alopecia model. Results showed hair growth potential for A. capillus-veneris formulation for androgenic alopecia and other androgen related disorders. (
20)
Anti-Urolithiasic Effect / Calcium Oxalate Stones: Study investigated the anti-urolithiasic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in male Sprague Dawley rats. Results showed significant reduction in number of crystals, with decrease in serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and BUN. (
21)
• Antibacterial: Study evaluated a methanolic extract of plant for antibacterial activity showed significant effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori strains. (22)
• Goitrogenic and Antithyroidal: Study investigated the potency of the A. capillaris-veneris fern ethanol extract on thyroid dysfunction and hypothyroidism. Results showed decrease in thyroid weight and increase in thyroid peroxidase activity, serum T4 (p<0.01) and serum T3 (p<0.01). Study also showed significantly increase levels of antioxidant enzymes. Results suggest potential use for regulation of hypothyroidism. (23)
• Antioxidant Effect on Human Lymphocyte / Leaves: Free radicals induce damage due to lipid peroxidation in biomembranes and DNA. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals. Study showed pretreatment with plant leaves extract effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation and significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content. The activity may be due to direct action in scavenging free radicals and modulation of the antioxidant defense system. (24)
• Benefit Herbal Mixture for Wound Healing: Study evaluat3ed the effect of an herbal mixture of Aloe vera, Henna, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Commiphora molmol on wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results showed the herbal mixture altered the gene expression signature of induced wounds as evidenced by accelerated healing in a diabetic rat model. (26)
• Antiobesity / Aerial Parts: Study of aerial parts of A. capillus-veneris and its phytoconstituents showed effects equivalent to orlistat. Results showed inhibition of PL (pancreatic lipase) in vitro with ascending order of PL-IC50 values (µg/mL): ferulic acid 0.48±0.06 <ellagic acid 13.53±1.83<chlorogenic acid 38.4±2.8<cappillus-veneris 1600±100. Study showed significant antiobesity effect (p<0.001) with marked triacylglycerol-reducing capacities (p<0.001) in comparison to rats fed with HCD (high cholesterol diet). (27)
• Antidiarrheal and Antispasmodic / Leaves: Study of crude extract of dried leaves of A. capillus-veneris showed antidiarrheal effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea in a mouse model, similar to loperamide. In isolat4d rabbit jejunum, it showed concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous and low K+-induced contractions and a weak inhibitory effect on high K. Activity was probably mediated through ATP-dependent K+ channels activation. (28)
• Antioxidant / Elemental Analysis / Leaves: Study showed A. capillus-veneris leaves are rich in free radical scavenging molecules terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and reducing sugars. Extract showed good antioxidant activity compared to vitamin C, with low IC50 of 0.3986 mg/gm on DPPH assay and 0.695 mg/gm for ABTS assay. Elemental analysis showed K>Ca>Mg>Fe>Mn>Na>Zn>Cu>Ni. (see constituents above) (30)
• Amelioration of Bisphenol A-Induced Reproductive Toxicity: Study evaluated the ameliorative effects of A. capillus-veneris on testicular toxicity induced by bisphenol A in adult male albino rats. Results showed A. capillus-veneris overcomes the estrogenic effects of BPA on the reproductive system of rats and protects rats' testes against BPA-induced injury/damage via an antioxidative mechanism. (31)
• Antioxidant / Essential Oil of Aerial Parts: Study of aerial parts for essential oil yielded 67 components. DPPH assay showed antioxidant activity which was attributed to the high contents of carvone, carvacrol, and thymol. (see constituents above) (32)
• Antidepressant / Anxiolytic: Study evaluated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of A. capillus-veneris in mice under chronic restraint stress using elevated plus-maze (EPM) and forced swim test (FST), along with measurements of serum and brain levels of total antioxidant capacity (EAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum corticosterone. Results showed antidepressant and anxiolytic effects as evidenced by reduction of oxidative markers. (33) Study showed significant antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects in rat, probably due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract reduced MDA levels and increased antioxidant levels of serum and brain in rats. (
42)
Antibacterial / Antifungal: Study evaluated antimicrobial of extracts of leaves, stems and roots against MDR bacteria and medically important fungi. Water, methanol, and ethanol extracts of leaves, stems, and roots showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against most of the MDR bacterial and fungal strains.(34)
Antioxidant / Phenolic Compounds / Enzyme Inhibition / Alzheimer's, Diabetes, and Skin Disorders: Study evaluated the antioxidant activity of various extracts using phosphomolybdenum assay, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC. Enzyme inhibition activities were determined against acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and a-amylase. Major phenolic compounds were benzoic acid, epicatechin, syringic acid and catechin. Methanol and EA extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant abilities compared to water extract. A. capillus-veneris extracts showed high enzyme inhibition activities except for butyrylcholinesterase. Results suggest a natural source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors. (35)
• Effect on Testosterone Induced Hair Loss: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men. Study evaluated the hair growth-promoting activity of a preparation of A. capillus-veneris on albino mice with testosterone-induced alopecia. Results showed good activity based on visual observation and quantitative data viz. follicular density and anagen/telogen ration. (36)
• Wound Healing Effect of Herbal Mixture: Study evaluated a herbal mixture of Aloe vera, Henna, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Myrrha on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Dried leaves and resins were powdered an mixed in equal parts with Vaseline as preservative. cDNA synthesis monitored changes in Tgfb1Mmp3Mmp9Il6 and Tnf α expression using real-time PCR. Results showed the herbal treatment altered the gene expression signature at induced wounds in the rat model consistent with accelerated healing. Study suggests the herbal formulation may be effective for wound treatment in diabetic patients. (37)
• Effect in Chemically Induced Urolithiasis: Study evaluated the antiurolithiatic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of A. cappilus veneris in male Sprague Dawley rats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Results of urine microscopy showed significant reduction (p<0.001 and p<0.01) in number of crystals in test groups A and B, respectively. Histopathology of kidney showed almost normal kidney architecture in treated groups. (38)
• Wound Healing Effect / Mouse Dermal Fibroblast Cells: Study evaluated extracts of Adiantum capillus-veneris, Commiphora molmol, Aloe vera and henna and their mixture on treatment of normal mouse skin fibroblasts. Changes in gene expression of Tgf1 and Vegf-A genes were monitored by PCR. Results showed improved expression of Tgfß-1 gene. All used extracts upregulated the expression of Vegf-A gene and promoted migration of mouse fibroblast cells in vitro. Results suggest the extracts may be effective in wound healing. (
39) (also see:37)
• Modulation of Alveolar Apoptosis / Exercise-Induced Hypoxia Condition: Study evaluated the effect of supplementation of A. capillus-veneris extract on Bax/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) ratio apoptotic index and remodeling of pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells in lung tissue of healthy Wistar rats during stressful hypoxic conditions. Results showed after three weeks of hypoxia following six weeks of high-intensity interval training in Wistar rats, the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and number of type 1 pneumocytes was significantly reduced. Results strongly suggest that apoptosis state induced in the lung parenchyma was modulated by consumption of the extract. (
41) Chronic hypoxia may be considered a strong stimulus leading to expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and tissue disruption. Study suggests the antioxidative properties of Acv extract can decrease the destructive structural and molecular events that occur with hypoxia exposure or intense exercise training. (49)
• Anti-Inflammatory via Inhibition of NF-kB Activation: Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract of A. capillus-veneris and involvement of NF-kB signaling. The ethanolic extracts effectively suppressed PGE2m IL-6 and TNF release with IC50 less than 50 µg/ml. The blocking of luciferase expression in HepG2 cells suggest a cell-specific pattern on NF-kB gene transcription. The extract down-regulated phosphorylation of IKKα/ß at S176/180, p38 at T180/Y182 and p65 at S536. The extracts at 200 µg/mg could normalize the LPS-induced elevation of spleen index as well as NF-kB and p38 activations in CD1 mice. (43)
• Novel Niosome System Containing A. capillus-veneris for Breast Cancer: Study evaluated the biocompatible nanosystems carrying A. capillus-veneris extract with appropriate loading rate and compared it with anti-tumor properties with extract carrying system with its free state. The extract was loaded in the nano-niosome system in a niosomic formulation of 50.74%. Results suggest the designed system has acceptable anti-cancer properties on MCF-7 cell line. The cell survival was about 19%. (44)
• Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant in Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis: Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerative effects of A. capillus-veneris (ACV) on acetic acid-induced colitis in a male Wistar rats.
ACV extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) and hydroalcoholic extract (150,300 and 600 mg/kg) was given orally p.o. 2 hr before induction of colitis via rectal administration of acetic acid 3%, which was continued for 4 days. Results showed significant reduction in ulcer index, weight of colon, total colitis index, and MPO activity compared to control. The beneficial effects on acetic acid-induced colitis was attributed to anti-inflammatory ulcer healing and antioxidant activities of the extracts. (45)
• Antioxidant / Cytotoxicity / Antimicrobial / Leaves and Stems: Study evaluated methanolic extract and subfractions of leaves and stems of A. capillus-veneris. Leaves and stem extracts showed highest antioxidative activity in DPPH assay with IC50s of 56.23 and 44.66 µg/ml respectively. Total phenolic contents of leaves and stems were 83.62 and 147.39 mg GAE/g respectively. Leaves water extract showed maximum ZOI against bacterial strains. Leaves and stems showed significant cytotoxicity with LC50s of 125.893 and 97.7237 µg/ml, respectively. Vincristine (LC50 0.751 µg/ml) was used as reference standard of brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Extracts showed moderate to acceptable antibacterial activities. Results suggest a promising source for novel anticancer agents. (46)
• Genotoxicity Study / Reduction of Cholesterol / Leaves: Study evaluated the potential role of Acv in preventing and reducing lipid levels and effect on testicular tissues after induction in rats. Leaves aqueous infusion extract showed significant antioxidant activity against hypercholesterolemia with potential to maintain cholesterol homeostasis. Groups treated with ACv showed improvement of testicular tissues compared to control. Plant genotoxicity screening in bone marrow cells showed no micronuclei in treatment groups with 100 mg/kg of Acv leaves. Study showed no evidence of genotoxicity with different extract doses. (47)
• Symptomatic Treatment of COVID-19: In Egypt, herbal agents extracted from A. capillus-veneris are widely used for treatment of COVID-19. Unfortunately there are no preclinical or clinical trials to evaluate the effect of herbal immunoregulators in COVID-19 patients. Review discusses the pros and cons on the use of extracts of Acv. While there is no specific herbal treatment, study suggests the plant can provide symptomatic treatment for many of the symptoms. No major behavioral changes or lethality was observed in mice at acute dose of 2000 mg/kg. The medicine should be administered with caution considering the hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, goitrogenic, anticalcium, and double effect on diuresis with the plant extract. (48) Plant extract of Acv was shown to possess pharmacologic efficacy to treat many symptoms similar to that caused by COVID-19 and underlying medical conditions. An on-going study examines the possible effectiveness of modern therapeutic application of the plant extract-based drug to treat symptoms of patients with COVID-19. (55)
• Essential Oil / Antibacterial / Whole Plant: Study evaluated the essential oil, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of whole plant. GC-MS study revealed the important EO constituents were carvone (33%), carvacrol (15.05%), hexadecanoic acid (7.02%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (4.25%) and n-nonanal (4.2%). Highest antibacterial activity of EO (mg/ml) was exhibited against S. aureus (8.23), Streptococcus pyogenes (12.46), and Diphtheroid (11.37) at concentration of 100 mg/ml of essential oil. The antibacterial property was attributed to flavonoid compounds. (50)
• Antimicrobial / Hopane-Type Triterpenoids / Aerial Parts: Study of aerial parts isolated three new hopane-type triterpenoids (1-3) viz. fern-7(8)-en-19α, 28-diol (1), pteron-14-ene-7α,19α,28-triol (2) and 3β,4α,25-trihydroxyfilican (3). Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against Helminthosporium maydis and Alternaria alternata with MICs of 12.5-3.125 µg/mL, and compound 3 against Verticiillium dahliae with MIC of 3.125 µg/mL. Compounds 1-3 showed weak antibacterial activity against Micrococcus lysodeikticus, Bacterium paratyphosum B and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC values over 100 µg/mL. (51)
• Reproductive System Protective Against Carbendazim Toxicity: Study evaluated the protective role of Acv plant extracts in Sprague-Dawley female rat reproductive organs intoxicated with carbendazim pesticide (CBZ). The CBZ toxicity induced histopathological changes in female rat reproductive organs and induced changes in enzymatic activities in ovarian and brain tissue homogenates, and caused elevation in NF-kB P65 inflammatory marker in the uterus and stomach. The ACVL plant extract showed protective activity to prevent the CBZ toxicity and exhibited anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing the synthesis of NF-kB-P65. (52)
• Silver Nanoparticles / Antibacterial / Leaves: Study reports on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of A. capillus-veneris as reducing agent. The AgNPs demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus evidenced by reduced bacterial growth and well-defined inhibition zones. (53)
• Modulation on Lung Apoptotic Markers due to Hypoxic Stress: Study evaluated the role of Adiantum capillus-veneris on modulation of Bax and Bcl2 apoptotic markers of lung in male Wistar rats trained and exposed to hypoxic stress. Consumption of Acv extract non-significantly increased Bcl2 protein expression (p>0.05) and significantly reduced Bax / Bcl2 ration (p≤0.05). Results suggest Acv possible modulates pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins expression in pulmonary alveolars exposed to hypoxic environment with considerable effects on inhibiting lung pro-apoptotic reactions due to hypoxia. (54)
• Vasorelaxant Effect: Study evaluated the effect of A. capillus-veneris extract on goat's isolated renal artery smooth muscle cell.   The Acv extract caused concentration-dependent relaxation of endothelium intact renal artery rings precontracted with high level of KCl or phenylephrine. Results showed Acv extract possess potent vasorelaxation effects on renal artery rings which are mediated partly, by enhancement of PGI2,  EET and modulation of different K+ channels and L-type Ca2+ channels activities.  (56)

Availability
Wild-crafted.
Cultivated
 


Updated May 2023 / Dec 2019 / Sept 2017 / Feb 2016

PHOTOS / ILLUSTRATIONS
IMAGE SOURCE: Photo: Adiantum capillus-veneris / Marija Gajic / Botanical Garden Jevremovac  / CC BY-SA 4.0 International / click on image to go to source page / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Pilt:Illustration Adiantum capillus-veneris.jpg / Original book source: Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885, Gera, Germany / GFDL by Kurt Stueber / Vikipeedia
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Line Drawing / Adiantum capillus-veneris / Hippolyte Coste - Flore descriptive et illustrée de la France, de la Corse et des contrées limitrophes, 1901-1906 / Public Domain / alterVISTA

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
n vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Salsola rosmarinus and Adiantum capillus-veneris / Muhanned J. Mahmoud et al / Pharmaceutical Biology, Vol 27, Issue 1 March 1989 , pages 14 - 16 / DOI: 10.3109/13880208909053930 /
(2)
Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from the Leaves of Adiantum capillus — veneris Linn. / Victor, B., and Maridass, M., and Ramesh, U., and Prabhu, J.M.A., (2003) Malaysian Journal of Science, 22 (1). pp. 65-66. ISSN 1394-3065
(3)
STUDY OF BIOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT METALS LIKE IRON AND CHROMIUM IN ADIANTUM CAPILLUS VENERIS (A PLANT LARGELY USED FOR DIABETES) / Thesis / Nasreen Fatima / 2004 / Pakistan Research Repository
(4)
Antimicrobial activity of some important Adiantum species used traditionally in indigenous systems of medicine / Meenakshi Singh et al / doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.018 / Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol 115, Issue 2, 17 January 2008, Pages 327-329
(5)
Fern Constituents: Triterpenoids from Adiantum capillus-veneris. / Nakane T et al / Chem Pharm Bull. Vol 50, No 9: pp 1273-1275 / DOI :10.1248/cpb.50.1273
(6)
Antimicrobial activity of some important Adiantum species used traditionally in indigenous systems of medicine / Singh Meenakshi et al / Journal of ethnopharmacology • 2008, vol. 115, no2, pp. 327-32
(7)
Antifungal Activity of the Crude Extracts and Extracted Phenols from Gametophytes and Sporophytes of Two Species of Adiantum / Piyali Guha et al / Taiwania, 50(4): 272-283, 2005
(8)
Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Important Ferns / Kamini Srivastava / Ethnobotanical Leaflets 11: 164-172. 2007.
(9)
AVENCA (Adiantum capillus-veneris) / Tropical Plant Database
(10)
Adiantum / Wikipedia
(11)
Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of ethanolic extract and its various fractions from Adiantum capillus veneris Linn. / Haider S, Nazreen S, Alam MM, Gupta A, Hamid H, Alam MS. / J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Dec 8;138(3):741-7. Epub 2011 Oct 15.
(12)
Screening for Bioactive Compounds from Adiantum capillus–veneris L. / QIANYING YUAN, JIANPING WANG AND JINLAN RUAN / J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012 / J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012
(13)
Adiantum capillus-veneris - L. / Plants For A Future
(14)
Evaluation of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and elemental content of Adiantum capillus veneris leaves / N. S. Rajurkar* and Kunda Gaikwad / Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2012, 4(1):365-374
(15)
In vitro and in vivo studies of antioxidant activities of flavonoids from Adiantum capillus-veneris L. / Ming-Zhu Jiang, Hui Yan1, Yan Wen and Xiang-Mei Li / African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Vol. 5(18), pp. 2079-2085, 15 November, 2011
(16)
Sorting Adiantum names / Maintained by: Michel H. Porcher / MULTILINGUAL MULTISCRIPT PLANT NAME DATABASE
(17)
Ethnomedicinal uses of Pteridophytes of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India
/ Kanchan Upreti, Jeewan S Jalal, Lalit M Tewari et al / Journal of American Science 2009; 5(4): 167-170.
(18)
Adiantum capillus veneris / Synonyms / KEW: Plants of the World Online
(19)
Phytochemical and biological studies of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. / Zedan Z. Ibraheim, , Amany S. Ahmed, Yaser G. Gouda / Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, Volume 19, Issue 2, April 2011, Pages 65–74
(20)
Effect of Adiantum Capillus veneris Linn on an Animal Model of Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss
/ Maryam Noubarani, Hossein Rostamkhani, Mohammad Erfan, Mohammad Kamalinejad, Mohammad Reza Eskandari, Mohammad Babaeian, and Jamshid Salamzadeh* / Iran J Pharm Res. 2014 Winter; 13(Suppl): pp 113–118.
(21)
Efficacy of Adiantum Capillus Veneris Linn in chemically induced urolithiasis in rats / Ajij Ahmed, Abdul Wadud, Nasreen Jahan, Syeda Hajera / JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY, Jan 2013; 146(1) / DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.01.011
(22)
Study of antibacterial properties of Adiantum capillus-veneris extract on eight species of gram positive and negative bacteria / M H Shirazi, Gh Amin, B Akhondi Lavasani, Saeed Seyyed Eshraghi / Journal of Medicinal Plants, December 2011
(23)
Evaluation of goitrogenic and antithyroidal effect of the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris / A Vijayalakshmi, Y Kiran Kumar / Rev Bras Farmacogn, 23(2013): pp 802-810 / DOI: 10.1590/S0101-695X2013000500013
(24)
ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF ADIANTUM CAPILLUS VENERIS LINN. ON HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE : AN IN VITRO STUDY / ANIL KUMAR / Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(2) 1899-1902 (2009)
(25)
Antimicrobial Activity and Spectral Chemical Analysis of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris Using GC-MS and FT- IR Spectroscopy / Haider Mashkoor Hussein, Imad Hadi Hameed*, Omar Ali Ibraheem / International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research 2016; 8(3); 369-385
(26)
Effect of the herbal mixture composed of Aloe VeraHennaAdiantum capillus-veneris, and Myrrha on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats / Hamid Galehdari, Samira NegahdariMahnaz  KesmatiAnahita Rezaie and Gholamreza Shariati / BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016, 16:386 / https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1359-7
(27)
Antiobesity and antihyperglycaemic effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris extracts: in vitro and in vivoevaluations / Violet Kasabri, Entisar K Al-Hallaq, Yasser K Bustanji, Khalid K Abdul-Razzak, Ismail F Abaza, and Fatma U Afifi / Pharmaceutical Biology, 2017; 55(1) / DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1233567
(28)
Antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of Adiantum capillus-veneris are predominantly mediated through ATP-dependent K+ channels activation / Khalid Hussain Janbaz, Waseem Hassan, Malik Hassan Mehmood, Anwar Hassan Gilani / Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 2015; Vol 10, No 1 / DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3329/bjp.v10i1.21869
(29)
GC-MS analysis of phytocomponents on whole plant extract Adiantum capillus-veneris L. - A potential folklore medicinal plant / Manisha V Kale / RJLBPCS: Research Journal of Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences, July-August 2015; 2(1)
(30)
Evaluation of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and elemental content of Adiantum capillus veneris leaves / N. S. Rajurkar and Kunda Gaikwad / J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 2012, 4(1):365-374
(31)
Bisphenol A exposure and healing effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. plant extract (APE) in bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicity in albino rats / Yousaf, Balal; Amina; Liu, Guijian; Wang, Ruwei; Qadir, Abdul; et al. / Environmental Science and Pollution Research International; Heidelberg, June 2016; 23(12): pp 11645-11657 / Jun 2016 / DOI:10.1007/s11356-016-6330-0
(32)
Essential Oil of Aerial Parts of Adiantum capillus-veneris: Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity. / Khodaie, Laleh and Esnaashari, Solmaz and Bamdad Moghaddam, Seddigheh (2015)  / Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, 2015; 10(4):e21968 / DOI: 10.17795/jjnpp-21968
(33)
The Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of the Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) on the Depression and Anxiety Caused by Chronic Stress in Adult Male Mice: An Experimental Randomized Study / Jafar Ahmadpoor 1,  Saeid Valipour Chahardahcheric, Mahbubeh Setorki  / Iranian Red Crescent Medicinal Journal, 2019; 21(3): e86750
(34)
In Vitro Phytochemical, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities of Leaf, Stem, and Root Extracts of Adiantum capillus veneris / Muhammad Saqib Ishaq, Muhammad Medrar Hussain, Muhammad Siddique Afridi, Ghadir Ali, Mahrukh Khattak, Sohail Ahmad, and Shakirullah / The Scientific World Journal, Volume 2014, Article ID 269793 / http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/269793
(35)
Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Properties and Enzyme Inhibition Ability of Adiantum capillus veneris L. linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, Diabetes Mellitus and Skin Disorders / Ako Abdulqadir, Yavuz S Cakmak, Gokhan Zengin / Current Organic Chemistry, 2018; 22(17) / DOI : 10.2174/1385272822666180711145256(36)
Effect of Adiantum Capillus veneris Linn on an Animal Model of Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss / Maryam Noubarani, Hossein Rostamkhani, Mohammad Erfan, Mohammad Kamalinejad, Mohammad Reza Eskandaria, Mohammad Babaeian and Jamshid Salamzadeh / Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2014; 13 (supplement): pp 113-118
(37)
Effect of the herbal mixture composed of Aloe VeraHennaAdiantum capillus-veneris, and Myrrha on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats / Hamid Galehdari, Samira Negahdad, Mahnaz Kesmati, Anahita Rezale, Gholanreza Shariati / BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016; Vol 16, Article 386 / DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1359-7
(38)
Efficacy of Adiantum capillus veneris Linn in chemically induced urolithiasis in rats / Ahmed Alii, Wadud Abdul, Jahan Nasreen, Bilal Alia, Hajera Syeda / Journal of Ethnopharmacology,2013; (146)1:  pp 411-416 / DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.01.011
(39)
Wound healing activity of extracts and formulations of aloe vera, henna, adiantum capillus-veneris, and myrrh on mouse dermal fibroblast cells / Samira Negahdan, Hamid Galehdan, Mahnaz Kesmati, Anahita Rezale, Gholamreza Shariah / International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2017; 8(1) / DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_338_16
(40)
ANTINOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITY OF ADIANTUM CAPILLUS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS / Raziuddin Khan, Sunil Jawla and Hussain Zeashan / International Research Journal of Pharmacy, 2019; 10(3)
(41)
Supplementation of Adiantum capillus-veneris Modulates Alveolar Apoptosis under Hypoxia Condition in Wistar Rats Exposed to Exercise / Mehdi Yadegari, Maha Sellami, Simin Riahy, Shadmehr Mirdar et al / Medicina, 2019; 55(7) / https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55070401
(42)
Effect of ethanol Adiantum capillus-venerisextract in experimental models of anxiety and depression / Zahra Rabiei and Mahbubeh Setorki / Braz. J. Pharm. Sci., 2019; Vol 55, Sao Paolo / http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0129-3581
(43)
Ethanol extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting NF-κB activation / Qianying Yuan, Xuenong Zhang, Ziwei Liu, Shanshan Song, Jinlan Ruan et al /  Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013; 147(3): pp 603-611 / DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.046
(44)
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Niosome System Containing Adiantum Capillus-Veneris for Breast Cancer Therapy / Mojtaba Ansari, Sanaz Hasani / Iranian Journal of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, 2020; 10(4) / DOI: 10.18502/ijpho.v10i4.4406
(45)
Anti-inflammatory effect of Adiantum capillus-veneris hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats / Ladan Khoramian, Seyed-Ebrahim Sajjadi, Mohsen Minaiyan /  Avicenna J Phytomed., 2020; 10(5): pp 492-503 / PMID: 32995327
(46)
Bioactivity of Methanolic Leaves and Stem Extracts of Adiantum capillus- veneris L. From Southeast of Marivan / Morteza Yazdani, Fereshteh Jookar Kashi / Plant Prod., 2021; 43(4): pp 487-496 / pISSN: 2588-543X / eISSN: 2588-5979
(47)
Reduction Of Cholesterol And Estimation Of Genotoxic Effects Of An Aqueous Infusion Of Adiantum Capillus- Veneris Leaves In Male White Rats’ Testicular Tissue / Wurood M Mutar, Anas Y Al-Hayawi, Makarim M K Asaad / Sys Rev Pharm, 2021; 12(2): pp 266-272
(48)
Egyptian traditional Herbal Medicine Candidate Adiantum capillus-veneris linn. as symptomatic Treatment for COVID-19: A Review of its Mechanisms, Pros and Cons. / Lina M. Hendawy / OSF Preprints, May 2021
(49)
The TNF-α, P53 Protein Response and Lung Respiratory Changes Related to Exercise, Chronic Hypoxia and Adiantum capillus-Veneris Supplementation / Mehdi Yadegari, Simin Riahy, Shadmehr Mirdar et al / Advances in Respiratory Medicine, 2019; 87(4) / DOI: 10.5603/ARM.2019.0037
(50)
Phytochemical compounds and bioactivity properties of the whole plant of maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris L.) essential oil  / Ebrahim Talebi, Iman Nasrollahi, Zahra Bashardoost / Safe Future & Agricultural Research Journal (SFARJournal), 2022; 1(1): pp 1-10
(51)
Three new hopane-type triterpenoids from the aerial part of Adiantum capillus-veneris and their antimicrobial activities / Xia Zhang, Hai-Li Chen, Liu Hong, Xiao-Long Yang et al / Fitoterapia, 2019; Vol 133: pp 146-149
(52)
Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn protects female reproductive system against carbendazim toxicity in rats: immunohistochemical, histopathological, and pathophysiological studies / Abd El-Nasser A Madboli, Mohamed M Seif / Environmental Sciience and Pollution Research, 2021; 28: 19768-19782 /
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11279-w
(53)
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with adiantum capillus-veneris L leaf extract in the batch process and assessment of antibacterial activity / Sariyeh Omidi, Sajjad Sedaghat, Fereshte Motiee et al / Green  Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 2018; 11((4): pp 544-551 / DOI: 10.10880/17518253.2018.1546410
(54)
Effect of the Adiantum capillus Veneris Extract on Bax and Bcl2 Apoptotic Markers of Lung Modulation in Trained Rats and Exposed to Hypoxic Stress / M Yadegari, S Riahy, Mosadegh Zavaragh et al / Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2017; 16(64S11): pp 162-171 / 20.1001.1.2717204.2017.16.64.14.1
(55)
Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn (Maidenhair fern) extract-based drug as a symptomatic treatment for COVID-19. (clinical candidate) / Lina Hendawy
(56)
The vasorelaxant effect of Adiantum capillus-veneries extract in the vascular activity of goat’s isolated renal artery / Aveen Asaad, Ismail Ibraheem / EPU Polytechnic Journal, 2022; 12(1): pp 67-78 /
DOI: 10.25156/ptj.v12n1y2022.pp67-78

 










 






 

 

α(5)

DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)

                                                            List of Understudied Philippine Medicinal Plants
α(5)

HOME      •      SEARCH      •      EMAIL