Overview

Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is an evergreen plant that grows in Nigeria. Traditional healers use it as medicine, but it is a very poisonous plant.

Male fern contains chemicals that can kill intestinal worms such as tapeworms. But taking male fern by mouth can cause death.

Despite serious safety concerns, some people use male fern for rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal parasites, wound healing, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for MALE FERN overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Male fern is likely unsafe. It is toxic and should not be consumed. Canada requires that male fern products be labeled "For external use only." Taking male fern can lead to very serious side effects, including death.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if male fern is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Male fern is likely unsafe. It is toxic and should not be consumed. Canada requires that male fern products be labeled "For external use only." Taking male fern can lead to very serious side effects, including death.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if male fern is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking male fern by mouth is likely unsafe for anyone, including those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Stomach and intestinal conditions: Certain stomach and intestinal conditions might increase the amount of male fern that is absorbed by the body. This bigger dose of male fern could lead to more serious side effects.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for MALE FERN overview.

Dosing

Male fern is used by traditional Nigerian healers. But male fern is very poisonous. Taking it by mouth is unsafe and can lead to death. Avoid use.
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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.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.