Family: Adiantaceae

Genus: Adiantum
Species: capillus-veneris
Synonyms: Adiantum capillus, A. michelii, A. modestum, A. schaffneri, A.
tenerum
Common Names: avenca, maidenhair fern, adianto, alambrillo, barun, cabello
de venus, capilera, capille e jenere, celantillo, centaurea, cilantrillo, culandrillo,
culantrillo de pozo, culantrillo, fern karn dam, frauenhaar, hansraj, helecho
culantrillo, herba capillorum veneris, ladies' hair, venus hair fern
Part Used: Leaves, rhizome

From The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs:

AVENCA
HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
Main Actions Other Actions Standard Dosage
suppresses coughs dries secretions Leaves or rhizome
reduces phlegm protects liver Infusion: 1/2 cup twice daily
kills viruses reduces cholesterol Tincture: 1-3 ml twice daily
kills bacteria reduces blood pressure Capsules: 2 g twice daily
detoxifies stimulates
fights free radicals supports gallbladder
supports heart heals wounds
cleanses blood
increases urination
lowers blood sugar
stimulates menstruation

Avenca is a small, slow-growing evergreen fern found throughout the world in

moist forests. It reaches 35 cm tall, growing in stands from its creeping rhizome,
and bears leaves up to 50 cm long. It can be found in the rainforests of the
Amazon as well as in the more temperate, moist forests of Southern Europe and
the United States (where it is commonly referred to as maidenhair fern). It is
called culantrillo in Peru and avenca in Brazil. These days avenca can be found
in many plant stores and nurseries where it is sold as an ornamental landscape
fern for shade gardens.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

In the Peruvian Amazon, local people prepare the fronds of the plant as an
infusion or syrup and use it as a diuretic, as an expectorant and to calm coughs,
to promote perspiration and menstruation, and to treat urinary disorders, colds,
rheumatism, heartburn, gallstones, alopecia (hair loss), and sour stomach. In the
highlands of the Peruvian Andes, local shamans and healers decoct the rhizome
and use it for alopecia, gallstones, and jaundice. In the Brazilian Amazon, it is
recommended as a good expectorant and used for bronchitis, coughs, and other
respiratory problems.

Avenca has long held a place in herbal medicine systems worldwide. In

European herbal medicine, its documented use predates the era of Dioscorides
and Pliny (23-79 A.D.). Culpepper (1787 ed.) said, "This and all other Maiden
Hair Ferns is a good remedy for coughs, asthmas, pleurisy, etc., and on account
of its being a gentle diuretic also in jaundice, gravel and other impurities of the
kidneys." In France, the fronds and rhizomes were once made into a syrup called
"Sirop de Capillaire," which was a favorite medicine for upper respiratory
problems such as coughs and excessive mucus. The plant is also used widely
throughout the world for dandruff, hair loss, and menstrual difficulties.

In Brazilian herbal medicine today, the frond and leaf are employed for hair loss,
coughs, bronchitis, laryngitis and throat dryness, and to improve appetite and
digestion, stimulate renal function, regulate menstruation, and facilitate childbirth.
In Peruvian herbal medicine, the frond and rhizome are used for hair loss,
gallstones, hepatic calculi, hydrophobia, asthma, coughs, catarrh, and to regulate
menstruation. In India, the entire plant is used for its cooling effects, for diabetes,
colds, bronchial disease, and for its menstrual promoting properties. Externally it
is used for boils, eczema, and wounds.

PLANT CHEMICALS

Chemical analysis of avenca reveals an array of compounds including

triterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and carotenoids. Interestingly, despite
its ancient use, there has been no specific research on avenca to isolate and test
its chemicals for biological activities.

Adiantone, adiantoxide, astragalin, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acids, caffeylgalactose,

caffeylglucose, campesterol, carotenes, coumaric acids, coumarylglucoses,
diplopterol, epoxyfilicane, fernadiene, fernene, filicanes, hopanone, hydroxy-
adiantone, hydroxy-cinnamic acid, isoadiantone, isoquercetin, kaempferols,
lutein, mutatoxanthin, naringin, neoxanthin, nicotiflorin, oleananes, populnin,
procyanidin, prodelphinidin, quercetins, querciturone, quinic acid, rhodoxanthin,
rutin, shikimic acid, violaxanthin, and zeaxanthin are chemicals found in avenca.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

The plant has demonstrated little toxicity. However, in animal studies, it has been
shown to have an antifertility effect. In the 1980s, two separate researchers in
India found that a pet ether extract of the plant had an anti-implantation effect in
rats, preventing conception.
In 1989 scientists in Iraq demonstrated avenca's antimicrobial properties. A
methanol extract of the aerial parts was reported to have in vitro antimicrobial
actions against Bacillus, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and
Candida. French scientists demonstrated that an ethanol extract of the rhizome
evidenced antiviral properties in vitro against Vesicular stomatitis virus. Other
early (1967) research showed that a water extract of the entire plant had
hypoglycemic activity when given to mice (10 mg/kg) orally. Much later (in 1993),
Belgium scientists confirmed that avenca leaves had in vivo hypoglycemic
properties in mice. In one study, a water extract of the aerial parts was given to
mice (25 mg/kg) orally and found to reduce glucose-induced hyperglycemia. An
ethanol extract, however, showed no activity. They reconfirmed these findings in
1995 by demonstrating that a water extract reduced glucose-induced
hyperglycemia.

CURRENT PRACTICAL USES

Despite the plant's ancient history of use for respiratory disorders, no clinical
research has been done to validate these traditional uses. In spite of the lack of
scientific research done on avenca, herbalists and healthcare practitioners
throughout the world continue to use the plant based on its traditional uses (for
literally thousands of years): for respiratory disorders and hair loss, and to
regulate menstruation.

AVENCA PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method: fluid extract or infusion

Main Actions (in order):

cough suppressant, decongestant, expectorant, menstrual stimulant,
antimicrobial

Main Uses:

1. for respiratory problems (coughs, bronchitis, colds, flu,

pneumonia, excessive mucous/phlegm)
2. for hair loss
3. for gallstones
4. for menstrual disorders (interruption or absence of menstrual
cycle)
5. as a blood cleanser and liver detoxifier

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:

anti-fertility, antibacterial, anticandidal, antiviral, contraceptive,
hypoglycemic

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

antioxidant, cough suppressant, astringent, liver bile stimulator, blood
 cleanser, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart),
decongestant, detoxifier, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), diuretic,
expectorant, hepatoprotective (liver protector), hypocholesterolemic
(lowers cholesterol), hypoglycemic, hypotensive (lowers blood
pressure), menstrual stimulant, stimulant, tonic (tones, balances,
strengthens), wound healer

Cautions: It has been documented in animals to have contraceptive

and anti-fertility effects. It may lower blood sugar levels.

Traditional Preparation: One-half cup leaf infusion twice daily or 1-3 ml of a 4:1
root tincture used twice daily. If desired, 1 - 2 g of powdered leaf or root in tablets
or capsules twice daily can be substituted. See Traditional Herbal Remedies
Preparation Methods page if necessary for definitions.

Contraindications:

Avenca has been documented to lower blood sugar levels in animal

studies. People with diabetes and people with hypoglycemia should use
this plant with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels accordingly.
Avenca has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems to stimulate
the uterus and promote menstruation; it is contraindicated in pregnancy.
The plant has shown to have an anti-implantation effect in animal studies
and may prevent conception. Couples seeking fertility treatment or
pregnancy should not take avenca.
Due to its effect on fertility and menstruation, avenca may have estrogen-
like effects and should probably be avoided by women with estrogen-
positive cancers.

Drug Interactions: Avenca may potentiate insulin and antidiabetic drugs.

WORLDWIDE ETHNOMEDICAL USES

Amazonia for blood cleansing, coughs, excessive mucous, menstrual problems,

respiratory problems, urinary disorders, urinary insufficiency, and to
increase perspiration

Brazil for asthma, bronchitis, childbirth, cough, digestion, excessive mucous, flu,
hair loss, kidney problems, laryngitis, menstrual disorders, respiratory
problems, rheumatism, throat (sore) urinary insufficiency, and to stimulate
the appetite

Egypt for asthma, chest colds, cough, edema, flu, hepatitis, snakebite, spider bite,
splenitis, urinary insufficiency, and to increase perspiration

England for asthma, cough, hair loss, jaundice, kidney stones, menstrual disorders,
 pleurisy, shortness of breath, swellings, urinary insufficiency, yellow
jaundice

Europe for alcoholism, bronchitis, bronchial diseases, cough, dandruff,

detoxification, diabetes, excessive mucous, flu, hair loss, menstrual
problems and to sooth mucous membranes

India for boils, bronchial diseases, colds, diabetes, eczema, fever, menstrual
problems, skin diseases, wounds

Iraq for bronchitis, colds, cough, excessive mucous, flu, menstrual disorders,
respiratory difficulty, reducing secretions, urinary insufficiency and to
increase perspiration

Mexico for birth control, bladder problems, blood cleansing, constipation, hair loss,
kidney stones, liver function, menstrual disorders, respiratory distress

Peru for asthma, colds, cough, congestion, excessive mucous, flu, gallstones,
hair loss, heartburn, hydrophobia, liver problems, menstrual disorders,
respiratory problems, sore throat, stomach problems, urinary insufficiency,
and to increase perspiration

U.S. for chills, coughs, excessive mucous, fever, flu, lung problems, menstrual
disorders, menstrual pain, respiratory ailments, sclerosis (spleen), sores,
urinary insufficiency and to sooth membranes and increase perspiration

The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie
Taylor, copyrighted 2005
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage or retrieval system, including websites, without written permission.

A complete Technical Data Report is available for this plant.

The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for
education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended
to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described
herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease. Please
refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database file and web site.

Referenced Quotes on Avenca

8. Adiantum capillus-veneris L. Adiantaceae. "Culantrillo", "Cebolla de venus". Shopumbillo",
Maidenhair fern". Cultivated ornamental. Fronds diaphoretic, emollient, pectoral: to treat certain
urinary disorders. Once used to treat cough. Now used as mosquito repellent. Emmenagogue,
expectorant, and emollient when made into infusion or syrup; also used as aperitive and diuretic.
A 10% infusion mixed with honey is expectorant, for rheumatism, and colds, heartburn, and sour
stomach (RVM). Considered diuretic, pectoral, sudorific (FEO); decoction used for alopecia,
gallstones, icteria (FEO).

4. MAIDENHAIR, TRUE
Botanical: Adiantum Capillus-veneris
Medicinal Action and Uses---Has been used from ancient times medicinally, being mentioned by
Dioscorides. Its chief use has been as a remedy in pectoral complaints. A pleasant syrup is made
in France from its fronds and rhizomes, called Sirop de Capillaire, which is given as a favourite
medicine in pulmonary catarrhs. It is flavoured with orange flowers and acts as a demulcent with
slightly stimulating effects. Narbonne Honey is generally added to the syrup.
Culpepper tells us:
'This and all other Maiden Hairs is a good remedy for coughs, asthmas, pleurisy, etc., and on
account of its being a gentle diuretic also in jaundice, gravel and other impurities of the kidneys.
All the Maidenhairs should be used green and in conjunction with other ingredients because their
virtues are weak.'
Gerard writes of it:
It consumeth and wasteth away the King's Evil and other hard swellings, and it maketh the haire
of the head or beard to grow that is fallen and pulled off.'

Third-Party Published Research on Avenca

All available third-party research on avenca can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the
published research on avenca is shown below:

Antimicrobial Actions:
Singh, M., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of some important Adiantum species used traditionally in
indigenous systems of medicine. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jan 17; 115(2): 327-9.
Mahmoud, M. J., et al. In vitro antimicrobial activity of Salsola rosmarinus and Adiantum capillus-
veneris. Int. J. Crude Drug Res. 1989; 27(1): 1416.
Husson, G. P., et al. Research into antiviral properties of a few natural extracts. Ann. Pharm. Fr.
1986; 44(1): 418.

Anti-fertility Actions:
Murthy, R. S. R., et al. Anti-implantation activity of isoadiantone. Indian Drugs 1984; 21(4): 141
44.
Murti, S. Post coital anti-implantation activity of Indian medicinal plants. Abstr. 32nd Indian
Pharmaceutical Cong. Nagpur. 1981; Abstract D14: 235.

Hypoglycemic Actions:
Neef, H., et al. Hypoglycaemic activity of selected European plants. Phytother. Res. 1995; 9(1):
458.
Neef, H., et al. Hypoglycemic activity of selected European plants. Pharm. World & Sci. 1993;
15(6): H11.
Jain, S. R., et al. Hypoglycaemic drugs of Indian indigenous origin. Planta Med. 1967; 15(4):
43942.

Phototropic Actions:
Iwata, T., et al. "Identification of the C=O Stretching Vibrations of FMN and Peptide Backbone by
(13)C-Labeling of the LOV2 Domain of Adiantum Phytochrome3." Biochemistry. 2006 Dec;
45(51): 15384-15391.
Tsuboi, H., et al. "Negative phototropic response of rhizoid cells in the fern Adiantum capillus-
veneris." J. Plant Res. 2006 Sep; 119(5): 505-12.
Doi, M., et al. "The fern Adiantum capillus-veneris lacks stomatal responses to blue light." Plant
Cell Physiol. 2006; 47(6): 748-55.
Suetsugu, N., et al. "A chimeric photoreceptor gene, NEOCHROME, has arisen twice during plant
evolution." Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2005 Sep; 102(38): 13705-9.