Sin .: shield, male shield, pharmacy shield, devil's beard.
The male fern is a perennial spore plant with a thick rhizome used for medicinal purposes. Preparations based on it are an effective remedy for worms.
Ask the experts
In medicine
Preparations from the rhizomes of the male fern are used to treat tapeworm infestations. They are effective for teniodosis - infection with pork or bovine tapeworm, hymenolepiasis - infection with pygmy tapeworm and diphyllobothriasis - infection with fish or wide tapeworm and small tapeworms. Fern is suitable for helminth control in both humans and animals. In medicine, the root of the male fern (Filicis maris) is used. Dry extract "Filiksan" and thick, viscous "Male fern extract ethereal" are made from it, as well as homeopathic preparations "Helminton" and "Antigelmin".
Contraindications and side effects
The plant is poisonous, so it must be used strictly according to the doctor's prescription, observing all prescriptions. With an error in dosage, pain in the stomach appears, salivation increases, nausea appears, followed by vomiting and diarrhea, body temperature rises, pulse quickens, and shortness of breath occurs. In extreme cases, clouding of consciousness is possible up to acute psychosis, delirium. A sign of poisoning is miosis - constriction of the pupils, with time there is hemoglobinuria, hemolysis, jaundice. Thyroid poisoning can lead to death from cardiac arrest. Preparations from this plant are contraindicated in persons under the age of 18, pregnant women, malnourished, with heart failure, angina pectoris, acute heart disease, kidney or liver disease, low blood pressure, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
In horticulture
The male shield tree is often used in landscaping parks and garden plots. Gardeners have bred more than a hundred varieties, in some of them even botanists can hardly recognize the original fern. All of them are united by dense, bright, decorative foliage.
Classification
The male fern or male shield fern belongs to the Aspleniaceae or Kostentsov family (lat. Aspleniales), the subfamily of the Shchitovnikovs (lat. Dryopteridaceae), the genus Shchitovnik (lat. Dryopteris). There are about 150 different perennial ferns in this genus.
Botanical description
The male shield tree is a perennial herbaceous spore plant that has neither flowers nor a stem and reaches 1 meter in height. The rhizome, which is a medicinal raw material, is thick in the plant, up to 30 cm long, obliquely rising. It is all covered with numerous thin roots. The leaves are basal, dark green, collected in bunches. They have short, also thick petioles covered with rusty-brown scales. The leaf blades are elongated-elliptical, twice pinnately dissected, from 40 to 100 cm long. The primary lobules are linear-lanceolate, the secondary ones are oblong. Bunches of sporangia appear on the underside of the lobules, they are arranged in two rows along the median vein and are covered with kidney-shaped falling veils.
Spreading
This plant chooses moist soils of coniferous, broad-leaved and mixed forests, but is also found on mountain slopes, for example, alpine or well-warmed by the sun, protected from the wind, arctic. It can be observed in forest clearings, along railways, at the site of forest fires. The male fern grows in all temperate countries. climate zone. It can be seen in both Mexico and Greenland. In Russia, the largest habitats of the male shield beetle are in the territory of the Krasnodar Territory and in the south. Western Siberia.
Distribution regions on the map of Russia.
Procurement of raw materials
The rhizomes of the male thyroid gland are dug up in early spring, before the development of the aerial part or in early autumn. They are cleaned of the earth, thin roots, dead parts, leaves, the lower, rotten part is removed, guided by the “constriction” line and cut into pieces. Sliced raw materials can be immediately processed fresh, an extract of the male fern is prepared from it, or it is dried both in special dryers and in well-ventilated rooms at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C. The roots have a sweet, astringent taste that soon becomes unpleasant. The smell is light, unobtrusive. Ready-made raw materials can be stored for up to a year, but over time, its antihelminthic properties weaken.
Chemical composition
The rhizomes of the plant contain phloroglucides - phenolic compounds. These are filixic and flavaspidic acids, aspidinol, albaspidin, etc. They also contain about 7-8% tannins, bitterness, starch. The plant is able to concentrate iron, zinc and selenium.
Pharmacological properties
Beneficial features of male fern, as well as its toxicity, are associated with the presence of phloroglucinol derivatives and their decay products in the rhizome. These substances are a powerful poison that paralyzes the muscle tissue of the worms. A few days before taking the drugs, the patient should be transferred to a low-fat diet. Before giving the medicine, cleanse the body with an enema and a laxative. Preparations based on thyroid fern are drunk on an empty stomach, after taking a laxative again. Since the poisons in the fern paralyze not only worms, but can also have a toxic effect on the human central nervous system, disrupt the functioning of the heart, in most countries of the world such treatment is considered obsolete, there are new, more safe methods control of helminthic infestations.
Having found safer remedies for worms, scientists continue to explore the beneficial properties of the thyroid gland. It was found that phloroglucides of male fern are able to inhibit the process of induction of malignant cells, flavonoids have immunostimulating and antiviral properties. Experiments with thyroid-based drugs are ongoing, and perhaps the plant will soon become the basis for new drugs with new properties other than anthelmintics.
Application in traditional medicine
AT traditional medicine male fern has found application not only as an antihelminthic. Decoctions and tinctures of the thyroid gland are used as an external remedy in the treatment of eczematous ulcers, purulent wounds, varicose dermatitis, joint diseases, nosebleeds, neuralgia, convulsions and rheumatism. Lotions, ointments are made from them, baths are taken with them, rubdowns are carried out. Pills from the thyroid gland mixed with honey and flour were once taken for heavy monthly bleeding, but this is a very dangerous remedy, inferior in effectiveness to many modern drugs.
History reference
The beneficial properties of the fern were discovered in ancient times. Dioscorides wrote about them, Pliny the Elder, Ibn-Sina (Avicenna), Theophrastus mentioned in their works. The specific epithet of the "male" fern was received from the ancient Romans. They believed that the fern also had "female" plants, but in fact, the more delicate, with small feathery leaves, the female fern or kochedyzhnik (Athyrium fílix-femina) is a representative of another genus of the subfamily of the Shchitovnikovs. It is interesting to note that the rhizomes of the female fern contain all the same substances that are responsible for the toxicity of the male fern, but in a smaller, as it were, “female” concentration.
In the Middle Ages, knowledge about the shield as an anthelmintic was not so much lost as questioned. The fact is that dried fern rhizomes lose their toxic properties over time and, if you don’t know this, it may seem that the medicine is not effective. On the other hand, not knowing the correct doses often led to poisoning. Preparations from the male fern have practically ceased to be used. It got to the point that the French king, Louis XVI paid an incredible amount of 18 thousand livres for those times to the widow of the Swiss doctor Kuffes for the secret of his family remedy for worms. What was the surprise of the royal physicians when they learned that such an effective remedy contains the thyroid gland, which they had long recognized as useless.
The famous Slavic belief about the "fiery flower" illuminating the treasures on the night of Ivan Kupala, reflected in the multitude literary works both folklore and copyright, is connected precisely with the shield. Myths and legends endowed a flower that appears only for a moment with amazing power. He had to not only show where the wealth is hidden, but also open all the locks on the way to it, make his owner the master of spirits, teach him to understand the language of animals and birds. Different beliefs list different opportunities bestowed by the flower of the shield tree, but all seekers of luck are warned - the plant is guarded by an evil spirit, ready not only to take the life of the brave, but also to doom their souls to eternal torment. Modern scientists, of course, know that the fern does not bloom, but knowledge does not prevent the existence of a beautiful legend.
Literature
1. “Medicinal raw materials of plant and animal origin. Pharmacognosy, edited by Yakovlev G.P., St. Petersburg, SpetsLit 2006 - 381-383 p.
2. Zemlinsky S.E. " medicinal plants USSR", Moscow, Moscow Society of Naturalists, 1951 - 204-205 p.
3. Mishenin I.D. "Medicinal plants and their use", sixth edition, Minsk, Science and technology, 1975, pp. 61-62.
4. "Wild plants and fungi in medicine and cooking", edited by Nechaev E.A., Moscow, Military Publishing House, 1994 - 241 p.
Modern medicines for children Tamara Vladimirovna Pariyskaya
Male Fern Extract (Extractum Filicis Maris Spissum)
Group of drugs. Anti-helminthic agents.
Composition and form of release. Herbal preparation: a thick extract from the rhizomes of the male fern plant. Contains derivatives of phloroglucinol, filiksonic acid (filicin), filmarone, albaspidin, aspidinol, tannins, flavonoids, essential oil, bitterness and starch. Capsules are produced (1 capsule contains 500 mg of a thick extract) in a package of 14 pcs.
Indications for use. Invasions of swine, bovine and dwarf tapeworm, wide tapeworm.
Application rules. Used only in a hospital setting!
For a more effective effect of the drug, the intestines should be maximally freed from food masses. Therefore, 2 days before taking the drug, the child should receive easily digestible food - vegetable soups, porridge, kissels, white crackers, dairy products; it is necessary to exclude meat, fats, butter. On the eve of treatment in the evening give sweet tea with crackers and saline laxative. In the morning they put an enema and on an empty stomach they give an extract at a dose of 0.5 g per year of a child's life, but not more than 4 g. The dose is taken within 30 minutes, 1 capsule, washed down with water. After 0.5-1 hour after taking the drug, a saline laxative is given. If there is no stool within 3 hours after the laxative, an enema is given.
This scheme can be used for diphyllobothriasis, teniasis and teniarhynchosis. When expelling the dwarf tapeworm, the extract is prescribed in a lower dose - 0.15 g per year of life, but not more than 1 g. The treatment consists of 3 doses with an interval of 7 days.
Side effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, weakening of cardiac activity, degenerative changes in the liver.
Contraindications. Circulatory failure; diseases of the liver and kidneys; peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum; acute gastrointestinal and febrile diseases; severe exhaustion; anemia; tuberculosis; age up to 2 years.
special instructions. The drug is toxic. When prescribing, be careful and apply according to a specific scheme under strict medical supervision.
Storage conditions. Store in a place protected from light. Shelf life - 2 years.
From the book Life in Love author Svetlana IlyinaExtract. - a concentrated extract from a plant, purified from ballast. This is achieved with the help of solvents (estrogens) - aqueous, alcohol-water, alcohol, ether. There are liquid extracts (prepared in a 1: 1 ratio with ethyl alcohol of various concentrations,
From the book Propolis author Ivan Pavlovich NeumyvakinDense propolis extract and medicinal forms based on it according to Dreyman Pour an alcohol extract of propolis into a Wurtz flask (2/3 of the volume), place it in a water bath with a constant water temperature of 56–60 ° C and connect it to the receiver (glass flask with grinding volume) through reverse
From the book Chaga mushroom against 100 diseases author Evgenia Mikhailovna SbitnevaChaga extract Birch fungus extract is available in the following dosage forms: - capsules; - tincture; - concentrate for solution preparation;
From book Desk book diabetic author Svetlana Valerievna DubrovskayaThick carrot soup Ingredients 1 liter of meat broth 3 carrots 1 turnip 3 eggs 5 tablespoons of low-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons of butter 1 tablespoon of flour Salt to taste Method of preparation Hard boil eggs, cool, peel and finely chop. Carrots and turnips
From the book Onion Peel. Treatment for 100 diseases author Anastasia PrikhodkoExtract To prepare the extract, first prepare an infusion of onion skins. Then it is boiled over low heat until half of the volume is evaporated. The resulting extract is cooled and stored in a dark cool place. Use this medicine inside only in strictly
From the book Birch, fir and chaga mushroom. Medicine prescriptions author Yu. N. NikolaevChaga extract Birch fungus extract is available in the following dosage forms: - capsules; - tincture; - concentrate for solution preparation; - medicinal raw materials.
From the book Modern Medicines for Children author Tamara Vladimirovna PariyskayaDry senna extract (Extractum Sennae Siccum) A group of medicines. Laxatives. Composition and form of release. Herbal preparation: dry extract from the leaves of the plant cassia holly. Contains sennosides, chrysophanoic acid, resinous
From the book Healing Chaga author Nikolai Illarionovich DanikovEleutherococcus liquid extract (Extractum Eleutherococci Fluidum) A group of drugs. Immunostimulants. Composition and release form. Herbal preparation. It is a liquid extract (1:1) from the rhizomes and roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus in 40% alcohol.
From the book Garlic. miracle healer author Anna Mudrova (comp.)Chaga extract Birch fungus extract is available in the following dosage forms: - capsules; - tincture; - concentrate for solution preparation; - medicinal raw materials. Dosage and administration.
From the book Lose Weight on Soups author Daria Vladimirovna NesterovaThick soup lamb Boil meat broth. 10 minutes before the end of cooking, add diced potatoes, salt, crushed garlic, marjoram. Then stir the flour in a glass of water and pour into the soup, bring back to a boil and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from fire and
From the book Aloe, celandine, Kalanchoe. Best Recipes traditional medicine author Yulia Nikolaevna NikolaevaThick milk soup with butter Ingredients: 500 ml of milk, 100 g of wheat flour, 50 g of butter, sugar, salt. Method of preparation: Sift flour, sauté, mix with boiling milk, add salt, sugar and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes. Fill the soup with butter
From the book Aloe Treatment author Julia SavelyevaThick chicken soup with vegetables Ingredients: 700-800 g chicken fillet, 4-5 potato tubers, 2 carrots, 2 onions, 50 ml olive oil, 2 celery sprigs, 30 tomato paste, 1 bunch parsley, pepper, salt. Method Preparation: Wash potatoes and carrots, peel, cut
From the author's bookThick milk soup with fruits Ingredients: 100 g wheat flour, 500 ml milk, 2 oranges, 2 bananas, vanillin at the tip of a knife, sugar. Cooking method: Wash, peel, finely chop the oranges. Wash, peel, cut the bananas into circles. Pour the sifted flour with warm
From the author's bookThick milk soup with strawberries Ingredients: 500 ml milk, 100 g wheat flour, 100 g strawberries, 50 g butter, sugar, salt. Method of preparation: Wash the strawberries. Sift flour, spasserovat, mix with boiling milk, put salt, sugar and cook, stirring, for 10
From the author's bookKALANCHOE EXTRACT Kalanchoe extract is prepared from infusion. The freshly prepared infusion is filtered and, placed in a water bath, evaporated to half of the original volume.
From the author's bookInfusion of aloe and fern Required: 1 tbsp. l. aloe, 25 g of powdered celandine grass, 2 tsp. crushed fresh plantain leaves. Cooking method. Mix crushed plantain leaves with celandine, add a small amount warm water, to
| Ukrainian: | human shield | |
| Ukrainian folk names: | flea beetle, boronitsya, helminth, spool, kochedizhnik, panna baba, papara deaf, papara zavoiova. | |
| Russian: | Male shield. | |
| English: | Malefern, Schott. | |
| German: | Gewohnlicher Wurmfarne. | |
| French: | Fouge"re male. | |
| Polish: | Narecnica samcza. | |
| Czech: | Karpad" samec. | |
Toxicology and side effects
The aerial part of the fern also has toxic properties. Poisoning of animals that ate the male fern is described. In the experiment, feeding Aspidium juxtaposita to rabbits led to the development of signs of anemia, leukopenia and lymphopenia. In the blood serum of animals, the activity of glutamate-oxaloacetate and glutamate-pyruvate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine levels increased. (Gounalan S. et al., 1999). In the early period after oral administration of Aspidium juxtaposita powder to rats, an increase in the content of reduced glutathione and a decrease in the concentration of lipid peroxides, the activity of acetylcholinesterase and catalase in erythrocytes were observed. In the remote period (after 80 days), the level of lipid peroxidation in the liver, kidneys and brain of animals increased significantly, and the activity of ATPase increased. (Kataria M. et al., 1998). Histological examination revealed moderate vascular changes in the lungs and other internal organs, degenerative changes and vacuolization of hepatocytes, focal necrosis in the liver, degenerative changes in the testicles. Villous atrophy, epithelial hyperplasia, and signs of increased secretory activity of the food glands were observed in the intestine. Casts were found in the lumen of the renal tubules, and degenerative changes in the tubular epithelium developed. The toxic effect of fern is associated with damage to cell membranes due to oxidative stress, which leads to degenerative and vascular changes. It is believed that the described pathological changes are due to the ptaquiloside contained in the plant.
At the same time, subcutaneous administration of ethereal and acetone extracts of male fern, which exhibit pronounced antimicrobial properties, to mice, it was found that their LD50>2.5 mg.
An aqueous extract of the rhizomes of the thick-rhizome fern (1:1), even at a dilution of 1:3000, retains the ability to cause contractions in the isolated rabbit uterus. When administered to animals at a dose of 0.03-0.1 ml/kg, the tone of the uterus sharply increases.
Male fern poisoning can occur when taking relatively small, even therapeutic doses. The initial symptoms are headaches, dizziness, increased reflex excitability, muscle weakness, tremor. In more severe forms, there are stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, blurred vision in the form of diplopia, a change in color perception with a predominance of yellow (xanthopsia), and even complete blindness. Severe forms of poisoning are accompanied by tonic convulsions and loss of consciousness. Death occurs from heart or respiratory failure. About a quarter of drug poisonings of male fern rhizomes end in the death of the victims.
Treatment of male fern poisoning is symptomatic. In order to remove toxins from the body, saline laxatives are immediately given. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining the water-salt balance, since the body loses a significant amount of water during vomiting and diarrhea. For convulsions, barbiturates or benzodiazepine anxiolytics are administered intravenously.
Therefore, the use of the rhizomes of most ferns requires special care. A special, safest mode of using these drugs has been developed, but often, even if all instructions are followed, drugs cause side effects. Due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea may occur. Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, the drug can cause changes in nervous system(dizziness, fainting, headaches, occasionally - convulsions, respiratory depression), cardiovascular system (weakening of cardiac activity - a decrease in the strength and frequency of heart contractions, collapse), liver (degenerative changes). Cases of toxic hepatitis with jaundice have been described. In high doses, fern excites the central nervous system. The visual analyzer is relatively often affected, and temporary blindness that develops immediately after ingestion of its drugs can lead to atrophy of the optic nerve and permanent loss of vision. Due to the risk of complications, treatment with male fern extract should be carried out only in medical institutions.
In case of complications due to the use of male fern preparations (weakening of the pulse, loss of consciousness), hot drinks, heating pads are prescribed, caffeine or cordiamine, norepinephrine or ephedrine are injected, if necessary, ammonia is inhaled, then oxygen.
The use of male fern preparations is contraindicated in heart failure, liver and kidney diseases, gastric and duodenal ulcers, acute gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, severe exhaustion, anemia, tuberculosis, as well as children under 2 years old. Male fern preparations are also contraindicated for pregnant women. In late pregnancy, as a result of reflex contraction of the muscles of the uterus, a miscarriage is possible.
Clinical Application
Herbal and neogalenic preparations of male fern are used to treat teniosis (invasion by bovine and pork tapeworms), diphylobotriosis (invasion by tapeworms), with less efficiency - for the treatment of hymenolepiasis (infestation by pygmy tapeworm) and enterobiasis - with unsuccessful use of other drugs. As a result of paralysis of smooth muscles, worms are easily excreted from the body with feces. For this, treatment with male fern preparations is combined with the use of laxatives. (Mello E. B. et al., 1978).
In medicine, the essential extract of male fern has found wide application. A thick fern extract is prescribed on an empty stomach in gelatin capsules, in the form of an emulsion with soda, mint water and syrup; children - with jam and chalk. Bulgarian scientists have developed a cheaper and safer method for obtaining filicin by water-alkaline extraction of fern rhizomes. (Jerova M. et al., 1975). At home, pills are made from a decoction (10 g of rhizomes per 200 ml of boiling water and evaporated to half): 5 ml of decoction is mixed with honey and divided into 10 pills, which are kneaded with flour. 30 minutes after taking the last portion of the medicine, the patient is given a laxative. The best remedy for cleansing the intestines from paralyzed worms is castor oil. You can also use senna preparations.
To avoid possible side effects of high doses of fern extract on the body, it can be injected directly into the intestine through a duodenal tube, which allows you to reduce the dose of the drug to 4 g and gives a good therapeutic effect. Comparatively less toxic is the tablet preparation filiksan containing biologically active substances of the rhizomes of the male fern.
For external use, a male fern tincture is prepared (1 part of the crushed rhizome is poured for 14 days with 4 parts of alcohol), which is rubbed into sore spots several times a day. A decoction (1 kg of rhizomes is boiled in 5 liters of water for 2 hours) is used for baths that are taken for varicose dermatitis and leg ulcers (1 liter of decoction per bath), the course of treatment is 30 baths, the duration of the procedure is 30 minutes.
As an antihelminthic agent in Korea, an essential extract of the rhizomes of the Sichotinsky fern Aspidium sichotensis Kom is used. and thick-rhizome fern Aspidium crassirhizoma Nakai. The latter showed therapeutic efficacy also in ascariasis of the biliary tract and amoebic dysentery.
Fern rhizomes have been reported to be used for uterine bleeding, but this treatment is considered quite dangerous.
Studies of Aspidium crassirhizoma Nakai, isolated from a fern leaf. fernena showed its effectiveness in psoriasis. For the treatment of psoriasis and the prevention of parapsoriasis, the polar fraction of the extract of the leaf and rhizomes was also used. This fraction does not contain filicin and is therefore characterized by low toxicity.
In the USA, complex herbal preparations with antiviral and immunostimulating activity are patented, which contain as active ingredients polysaccharides and flavonoids extracted from the rhizomes of the thick-rhizome fern Aspidium crassirhizoma Nakai.
The male fern rhizome extract is part of the complex homeopathic preparations Anthelmin, Helminton.
In veterinary medicine, preparations of male fern in the form of powders from dried rhizomes, extracts and preparations of filiksan and filmaron are used for helminthiases of sheep, large cattle, cats, dogs and chickens. These drugs are prescribed simultaneously with saline laxatives. It is contraindicated to give castor oil to animals in the treatment of helminthiases with fern preparations. (Zharikov I. S. et al., 1986).
In Vietnam, the rhizomes of the male fern are used as an insecticide.
Medicines
Male Fern Extract (Extractum Filicis-maris spissum) Available in capsules of 0.5 g (14 capsules per pack). It is stored according to list B in a place protected from light. The highest single dose of the extract for adults is 8 g (once).The course of treatment for hymenolepiasis includes 3 cycles at intervals of 7 days. Each cycle consists of one day of preparation and one day of treatment. The extract is prescribed in the following age doses: children aged 2 years - 0.2 g, 3-4 years old - 0.3 g, 5-6 years old - 0.5 g, 7-8 years old - 0.6 g, 9- 10 years - 0.7 g, 11-12 years - 0.9 g, 13-14 years - 1 g, after 15 years - 1.5 g. If necessary, repeated courses are carried out no earlier than after 2-3 months. Filixan (Filixanum) - the sum of the active ingredients of the rhizomes of the male fern, is available in the form of tablets of 0.5 g.
It is prescribed for teniosis inside once for adults, 14-16 tablets (7-8 g), for children aged 2-5 years - 2-5 tablets (1-2.5 g), 6-10 years - 6-8 tablets (3-4 g), 11-15 years old - 10-12 tablets (5-6 g). The highest single dose for adults (once) is 10 g. Patient preparation and method of application are similar to those for the application of male fern thick extract. Digestodoron (Weleda, Austria) — tablets or oral solution containing extracts of male fern, common centipede, centipede leaf, common bracken, purple willow and Salix vitellina. Used as an anthelmintic, 1-2 tablets 15 minutes before meals with water.
An antihelminthic drug is produced abroad "Rozapin" and drug "Toxifren".
Antigelmin (Antihelminum, NVFF "Alkoy", Russia) - complex homeopathic preparation in the form of granules containing Abrotanum C3, Cina C3, Sabadilla C3, Filix C6 and Nux vomica C6. It is used for infestations with round and tape worms. Assign adults 8 granules 3-5 times a day 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals under the tongue, children under 10 years old - 5 granules 3-5 times a day. Helminton (National Homeopathic Union, Ukraine) — complex homeopathic preparation in the form of granules containing Cina 200, Spigelia 30, Sabadilla 30, Teucrium 30 and Filix mas 30. It is used for helminthic invasions. Assign 3 granules 3 times a day before meals, the course of treatment is 1-2 months.
Dryopteris filix-mas (syn. Aspidium filix-mas, Nephrodium filix-mas)
Taxon: family Shchitovnikovye ( Dryopteridaceae)
Other names: male fern, helminth, spool, fleabane
English: Male Fern
Generic Latin name of the plant Dryopteris derived from two Greek words - "drys" (oak) and "pteris" (fern). The word "pteris" comes from "pteron" - a wing, a feather: a fern leaf resembles a bird's feather. In literal translation, the name means "fern of oak forests", "oak forest".
Botanical description
To avoid possible side effects of high doses of fern extract on the body, it can be injected directly into the intestine through a duodenal tube, which allows you to reduce the dose of the drug to 4 g and gives a good therapeutic effect. Comparatively less toxic is the tablet preparation filiksan containing biologically active substances of the rhizomes of the male fern.
For external use, a male fern tincture is prepared (1 part of the crushed rhizome is poured for 14 days with 4 parts of alcohol), which is rubbed into sore spots several times a day. A decoction (1 kg of rhizomes is boiled in 5 liters of water for 2 hours) is used for baths that are taken for varicose dermatitis and leg ulcers (1 liter of decoction per bath), the course of treatment is 30 baths, the duration of the procedure is 30 minutes.
As an antihelminthic agent in Korea, an essential extract of the rhizomes of the Sikhotinsky fern and the thick-rhizome fern is used. The latter showed therapeutic efficacy also in ascariasis of the biliary tract and amoebic dysentery.
Fern rhizomes have been reported to be used for uterine bleeding, but this treatment is considered quite dangerous.
Studies of thick-rhizome fernen isolated from a fern leaf have shown its effectiveness in. For the treatment of psoriasis and the prevention of parapsoriasis, the polar fraction of the extract of the leaf and rhizomes was also used. This fraction does not contain filicin and is therefore characterized by low toxicity.
In the USA, complex herbal preparations with antiviral and immunostimulating activity are patented, which contain polysaccharides and flavonoids extracted from the rhizomes of the thick-rhizome fern as active ingredients.
The male fern rhizome extract is part of the complex homeopathic preparations Anthelmin, Helminton.
In veterinary medicine, preparations of male fern in the form of powders from dried rhizomes, extracts and preparations of filixan and filmaron are used for helminthiasis in sheep, cattle, cats, dogs and chickens. These drugs are prescribed simultaneously with saline laxatives. It is contraindicated to give castor oil to animals in the treatment of helminthiases with fern preparations ( Zharikov I. S. et al., 1986).
In Vietnam, the rhizomes of the male fern are used as an insecticide.
Male Fern Medicines
Filixan(Filixanum) - the sum of the active ingredients of the rhizomes of the male fern, is available in the form of tablets of 0.5 g.
It is prescribed for teniasis inside once for adults, 14-16 tablets (7-8 g), for children aged 2-5 years - 2-5 tablets (1-2.5 g), 6-10 years - 6-8 tablets (3-4 g), 11-15 years - 10-12 tablets (5-6 g). The highest single dose for adults (once) is 10 g. Patient preparation and method of application are similar to those for the application of male fern thick extract.
Digestodoron(Weleda, Austria) - tablets or oral solution containing extracts of male fern, common centipede, centipede leaf, common bracken, purple willow and Salix vitellina. Used as an anthelmintic, 1-2 tablets 15 minutes before meals with water.
An antihelminthic drug is produced abroad Rosapin"and drug" Toxifren».
Anthelmin(Antihelminum, NVFF Alkoy, Russia) is a complex homeopathic preparation in the form of granules containing Abrotanum C3, Cina C3, Sabadilla C3, Filix C6 and Nux vomica C6. It is used for infestations with round and tape worms. Assign adults 8 granules 3-5 times a day 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals under the tongue, children under 10 years old - 5 granules 3-5 times a day.
Helminton(National Homeopathic Union, Ukraine) - a complex homeopathic preparation in the form of granules containing Cina 200, Spigelia 30, Sabadilla 30, Teucrium 30 and Filix mas 30. It is used for helminthic invasions. Assign 3 granules 3 times a day before meals, the course of treatment is 1-2 months.
R. V. Kutsik, B. M. Zuzuk
Ivano-Frankivsk State Medical Academy
Photos and illustrations
Male fern, or male shield (Dryopteris filix mas (L.) Schott., or Aspidium filix mas Sw.)
(chemist's shield, devil's beard)
Centipede family - Polypodiaceae.
With therapeutic purpose use the root of the plant.
It grows in deciduous forests between shrubs, and sometimes separately on mountain slopes. Widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere.
The male fern is a perennial spore-bearing plant that does not have flowers. The rhizome is thick, obliquely ascending, 1-30 cm long, with a large number of thin roots leaving its underside. The entire rhizome is covered (as if by scales) with the remains of petioles of leaves of past years, which remain alive underground for a long time. This is characteristic distinguishing feature plants. The leaves are collected in a bunch, large, dark green, on short thick petioles covered with rusty-brown scales. Their plate is elongated-elliptical, topped-pointed, doubly pinnatipartite. At the end of summer, on the underside of the upper part of the leaf, spore-bearing formations of brown color appear arranged in two rows along the middle vein of the leaf, covered with kidney-shaped coverlets (sori - heaps of sporangia containing spores). This is another of its distinguishing features. The rhizome and the remains of petioles are brown on the outside, light green at the break. With long storage or storage in a damp place, the rhizomes turn brown and become unusable.
Chemical composition the rhizomes of the male fern are well studied in scientific medicine. It is used as an active agent against tapeworm (tapeworm). We must not forget that it is also poisonous to humans if it lingers in the intestines and is absorbed into the blood. Therefore, after the first dose after one or two hours, and if you count after the last portion, then after half an hour they will certainly give a laxative (but not castor oil, which is contraindicated, it can be taken only 5 hours after taking the male fern).
In general, when using male fern rhizome extract, there may be adverse side effects, so they should be treated under the close supervision of a doctor.
The extract is contraindicated in decompensation (failure) of the heart, in diseases of the liver and kidneys, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, in acute gastrointestinal and febrile diseases, in pregnancy, severe exhaustion, anemia and active tuberculosis.
The rhizome of the male fern is effective not only against the tapeworm, but also against bovine or pork tapeworms and pygmy tapeworm.
For the successful expulsion of the tapeworm, if for some reason the treatment is carried out without the supervision of a doctor, the following procedures must be followed: one or two days before treatment, a nutritious, but easily digestible (liquid) food, poor in fats is prescribed ( White bread, crackers, cereal soups, milk, curdled milk, cottage cheese, liquid milk porridge, boiled fresh fish, kissels, coffee, tea; sugar is also allowed).
It is customary for the people to sit on a pot of hot milk (a quarter of a dish) and push when they are called to a chair.
Use
Preparations from the rhizome of the fern are used against tapeworms. Fern preparations are especially effective for infestations with bovine and porcine tapeworms (teniidoses), as well as for diphyllobothriasis and hymenolepiasis.
However, when prescribing the drug, side effects are possible: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with blood and mucus; in pregnant women, as a result of reflex contraction of the uterus, there may be a miscarriage, dizziness, headache, respiratory depression, convulsions; there may be a weakening of cardiac activity, a decrease in blood pressure, collapse.
With storage, the antihelminthic effect of fern and its preparations becomes weaker.
Before drinking fern preparations, you need to eat a clove or two of garlic.
Powder from the rhizome of the fern is used as an anthelmintic and especially to remove the tapeworm.
Usually among the people, in most cases, complete expulsion of the tapeworm is not achieved.
I give the procedure for the expulsion of the tapeworm, which in folk application gives top scores. The whole day they eat only liquid dishes and in the evening they take 1.5-2.0 tablespoons of castor oil, and before going to bed they eat a few pieces of herring with onions. The next day on an empty stomach, every 2 minutes for an hour, take 30 pills prepared as follows: 2.0 g. Powder from the rhizome of the fern is kneaded with 2.0 cm. Essential tincture from the same rhizome and the whole mass is divided into 30 pills. After taking the pills, do not eat anything and after 5 hours drink 1 tablespoon of castor oil. When called to a chair, they sit on a pot filled with 1/4 of the volume of warm milk. When defecation try to push harder. With such procedures, it is possible to expel the tapeworm along with the head.
It is believed that castor oil after taking fern can be taken no earlier and no later than after 5 hours, otherwise blindness may occur.
It is popular among the people as an effective anthelmintic agent - a wide tapeworm will not resist it, bull tapeworm, pygmy tapeworm, other tapeworms and even a tapeworm. In addition, rheumatism, calf cramps, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the sciatic nerve are treated with male fern roots, alcohol tincture is taken in drops for dry pleurisy.
In Circassia, a decoction of rhizomes is taken orally for venereal diseases and sciatic nerve disease, alcohol tincture - in the form of drops for dry pleurisy.
To prepare a decoction, take 50 g of dry or 100 g raw rhizomes, boil for 2 hours in 2-3 liters of water. Used for baths (Makhlayuk, 1992).
In folk medicine, fern is used for coughs, enterocolitis, dysentery, influenza, inflammation of the kidneys (Varlakov, 1932).
Powdered roots and a decoction of wine are used for burns, abscesses, and gynecological diseases (Fruentov, 1974).
The thick extract is prescribed orally at 4-7 g per day on an empty stomach for 20-30 minutes (1.5-2 g).
Filiksan is prescribed once for adults, 7-8 g (14-16 tablets), for children 1-2.5 g (2-5 tablets) (Sokolov, 1984).
Never use castor oil as a laxative at the same time. It dissolves the active substance of the fern and promotes its absorption from the intestines, which leads to the development of very severe poisoning, in which the liver is damaged and often permanent blindness develops.
In folk medicine, fern is used as a hemostatic agent (Minaeva, 1988).
In medicine, the essential extract from the rhizome of the fern is widely used, which is a classic remedy for the treatment of teniasis. Water and alcohol extracts have an antiviral effect against extracellular and intracellular herpes virus.
ADNEKSIT (inflammation of the ovaries). Grind a fresh or dry fern leaf, pour 1 tablespoon with 1 cup of boiling water, insist in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, cool for 45 minutes, strain. Drink a quarter cup 4 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks. It is advisable to repeat it in a month.
ONCOLOGY. Dig up the spring root before the leaves have risen. Wash, chop, fill glassware by a third (do not get carried away, no more than a third!). Top with good cognac. Infuse for 21 days, strain immediately. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals. For prevention, 0.5 liters is enough. If the treatment is continued, then repeat not earlier than in a month.
PHLEBEURYSM. Cut off the upper fresh part of the root, pound into gruel. Mix 1 tablespoon of gruel with a tablespoon of sour milk, apply to an enlarged vein and even to varicose ulcers with a layer 1 cm thick, wrap 6-8 layers of gauze on top and leave for 5-6 hours.
Male fern preparations are highly toxic. They are contraindicated in heart failure, diseases of the liver and kidneys, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, acute gastrointestinal and febrile diseases, pregnancy, severe exhaustion, anemia and active tuberculosis. In the presence of such serious contraindications, it is best to turn to other therapeutic agents.
Application methods. Fern extract male ethereal - finished product in the amount of 5.0, divided into 10 capsules, should be taken every 5 minutes with water or 1% soda solution.
If there is no ready-made preparation, it can be replaced with a decoction of the rhizome (10.0 - 200.0), condensed to half, and taken one teaspoon, that is, 4-5 ml, with honey. This amount of decoction is kneaded with flour and divided into 10 pills (portion for adults, and decoction for children should be given according to age).
Infusions based on rhizomes help with leg cramps, sciatic nerve disease, and various skin diseases. The juice of this plant is used for purulent wounds and ulcers in the form of lotions, tincture for dry pleurisy.
