Fan-Leaved Fern
Actiniopteris radiata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Fan-Leaved Fern, scientifically known as Actiniopteris radiata, is a remarkable medicinal plant prized for its unique radial foliage. Found in lush, shaded habitats, it contains potent bioactive compounds. Traditionally used to treat various ailments, this fern offers significant therapeutic potential, bridging ancient botanical wisdom with modern pharmacological research.
- Family
- Pteridaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Whole Plant
- Common names
- Fan-Leaved Fern
- Scientific synonyms
- Actiniopteris Australis Var. Radiata · Acropteris Dichotoma · 8 more
Names
Common Names
- Fan-Leaved Fern
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Actiniopteris radiataSynonyms
- Actiniopteris australis var. radiata
- Acropteris dichotoma
- Acropteris radiata
- Acrostichum radiatum
- Asplenium polydactylon
- Asplenium radiatum
- Blechnum flabellatum
- Blechnum radiatum
- Pteris radiata
- Actiniopteris dichotoma
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales, falling under the family Pteridaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Actiniopteris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Polypodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Pteridaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Actiniopteris | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Africa and its surrounding islands. Within the Macaronesian archipelago, it can be found specifically in Cape Verde. Its range extends into West Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the countries of Mali, Nigeria, and Togo. Furthermore, the species is present in West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically located in Cameroon. Together, these locations highlight the plant's presence across diverse ecological zones.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Actiniopteris radiata, is a species of fern often utilized in traditional medicine, where the whole plant is typically employed for its therapeutic properties. In various ethnobotanical practices, the entire structure—including the rhizomes, fronds, and spores—is harvested to prepare decoctions or extracts. By using the whole plant, practitioners aim to capture the full spectrum of bioactive compounds distributed throughout its various tissues to address specific health concerns.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole plant | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Actiniopteris radiata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, RUTIN.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| RUTIN | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Actiniopteris radiata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antistress.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antistress | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ethanol extract | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethanolic extract of Actiniopteris radiata | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethyl acetate | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanol | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| petroleum ether | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |