Ostrich Fern

Generic name: Matteuccia Struthiopteris (L.) Tod.
Brand names: Fiddlehead Fern, Ostrich Fern, Shuttlecock Fern, Wood Fern

Usage of Ostrich Fern

Antimicrobial effects

In vitro data

Extracted flavonoids showed in vitro activity against the H1N1 influenza virus in one study.Li 2015

Antihyperlipidemic activity

In vitro data

A screening study of 7 edible plants, including ostrich fern, examined the activity of extracts on triglyceride and cholesterol levels.Takahashi 2011

Anti-inflammatory activity

Animal and in vitro data

In one study, M. struthiopteris polysaccharides inhibited production of immunoglobulin in mice with induced systemic lupus erythematosus–like syndrome. Weight loss and spleen swelling were also diminished in the treated group.Wang 2010 Anti-inflammatory activity has also been noted in in vitro studies.Dion 2015

Antioxidant activity

In vitro data

Antioxidant activity has been studied in chemical assays.DeLong 2011, DeLong 2013

Cancer

In vitro data

One study of plant extracts demonstrated differentiation-inducing activity against human leukemia cells.Hata 1998

Ostrich Fern side effects

The fiddleheads of ostrich fern are generally considered edible once they have been steamed. However, in the mid-1990s, several outbreaks of food poisoning in New York and western Canada were associated with consumption of raw or lightly cooked fiddleheads.CDC 1994 Symptoms were reported within 12 hours after ingestion, with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping being the most commonly reported adverse reactions.CDC 1994

Because no reports of illness were associated with fiddleheads that had been boiled or steamed for at least 10 minutes, thorough cooking is recommended.CDC 1994

Before taking Ostrich Fern

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Ostrich Fern

No clinical evidence exists to support a specific dosage of ostrich fern. Because of the potential presence of heat-labile toxin in ostrich fern, the plant should be cooked thoroughly before consumption.CDC 1994

Warnings

Information regarding the toxicity of ostrich fern is lacking.

What other drugs will affect Ostrich Fern

None well documented.

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