Male Fern (Aspidium)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Dryopteris filix-mass, Dryopteris
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Albaspadin
Aspidin
Aspidinol
Filicic acid
Filmaron acid
Flavaspininic acid
Resin (See Glossary)
Starch
Sugar
Tannins (See Glossary)
Volatile oils (See Glossary)
Wax

KNOWN EFFECTS

Destroys intestinal worms. Decreases normal muscle function. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis. Are over age 55. Have heart disease. Have kidney disease.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and
those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended
periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS