Dryopteris filix-mas
Dryopteris filix-mas, commonly known as the Male Fern, is a perennial plant valued in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its historical use in treating parasitic intestinal infections, this resilient fern thrives in shaded, moist woodland environments. Today, it remains a subject of botanical interest for its unique medicinal properties.
- Scientific name: Dryopteris filix-mas
- Family: Polypodiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Dryopteris filix-mas, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Polypodiinae within the order Polypodiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Polypodiaceae and is situated within the genus Dryopteris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Polypodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Dryopteris | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, the species is well-established throughout the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Its presence also extends to the unique environments of Iceland. These locations highlight the broad northern range of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | 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 |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
Chemicals
Dryopteris filix-mas has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ash, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ash | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calcium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| magnesium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nitrogen | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| potassium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| zinc | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Dryopteris filix-mas has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malnutrition.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malnutrition | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |