Athyrium
Athyrium, commonly known as lady ferns, belongs to a diverse genus of ferns prized for their delicate, feathery fronds. While primarily celebrated in ornamental gardening for their lush texture, certain species hold traditional significance in folk medicine, potentially offering soothing properties for skin ailments and various inflammatory conditions.
- Scientific name: Athyrium
- Family: Aspleniaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae, it is categorized under the order Polypodiales. Finally, it is classified under the family Aspleniaceae and the genus Athyrium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Polypodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Aspleniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Athyrium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, belonging to the genus Athyrium, is known by various regional names across different languages. In German-speaking Switzerland, it is referred to as Frauenfarne (de-ch), while in Chuvash, it is called Картлă курăк (cv). In Denmark, it is categorized under the name Fjerbregne-slægten (da), and in Finnish, it is known as hiirenportaat (fi). Additionally, in Lithuanian, it is called Paprastasis blužniapapartis (lt).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de-ch | Frauenfarne | Wikidata |
| cv | Картлă курăк | Wikidata |
| da | Fjerbregne-slægten | Wikidata |
| fi | hiirenportaat | Wikidata |
| lt | Paprastasis blužniapapartis | Wikidata |
| pl | Wietlica | Wikidata |
| ru | Кочедыжник | Wikidata |
| az | Qalxansız | Wikidata |
| be | Качадыжнік | Wikidata |
| nb | Storburkneslekten | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a distinct distribution pattern across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. The species also extends its range to the island of Iceland. Additionally, its presence is documented in the Faroe Islands, known locally as Føroyar. Finally, this medicinal plant is widely distributed throughout Great Britain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Activities
Athyrium has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Carminative.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Carminative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Athyrium has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cough, pain, scorpion stings.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scorpion stings | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |