Evidence supporting the use of: Male Fern
For the health condition: Parasites (tapeworm)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine as a remedy for intestinal parasites, particularly tapeworms. The rhizome and root of the plant contain phloroglucinol derivatives, such as filicin, which were believed to paralyze or kill tapeworms, allowing them to be expelled from the body. This use was prominent in European and North American folk medicine throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and Male Fern extract was even included in several pharmacopoeias as an anthelmintic agent.

However, the use of Male Fern declined substantially in the 20th century due to concerns over its toxicity, including potentially severe gastrointestinal and neurological side effects. Scientific studies from the late 19th and early 20th centuries confirmed some efficacy against tapeworms, but the risk of poisoning was significant, particularly if the extract was not properly prepared or dosed. With the advent of safer and more effective anthelmintic drugs, Male Fern is no longer recommended or used in modern clinical practice.

In summary, while there is strong traditional and some historical scientific support for the use of Male Fern against tapeworms, its use is now discouraged due to safety concerns, and it has been replaced by safer pharmaceuticals. The evidence rating reflects its historical use and documented effects, but not contemporary clinical endorsement.

More about Male Fern
More about Parasites (tapeworm)

Other health conditions supported by Male Fern

Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)

Products containing Male Fern

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