Avenca

(Adiantum capillus-veneris)

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
Phytochemicals: 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.
Part Used: Leaves, rhizome

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: suppresses coughs reduces phlegm kills viruses kliss bacteria detoxifies fights free radicals supports heart cleanses blood increases urination lowers blood sugar stimulates menstruation

Other Actions: dries secretions protects liver reduces cholesterol reduces blood pressure stimulates supports gallbladder heals wounds

Standard Dosage: Leaves or rhizome Infusion: ½ cup twice daily Tincture: 1-3 ml twice daily Capsules: 2g twice daily

Avenca is a small, slow-growing evergreen fern found throughout the world in moist forests. 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).

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.

The plant has demonstrated little toxicity. However, it has been shown to have an antifertility effect.

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. Much later (in 1993), Belgium scientists confirmed that a water extract of avenca leaves had hypoglycemic properties. An ethanol extract, however, showed no activity.

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.

Following-up a brief summary of ethnomedical uses of avenca:

Region	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

AVENCA PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	fluid extract or infusion
Main Actions (in order):	cough suppressant, decongestant, expectorant, menstrual stimulant, antimicrobial
Main Uses:	for respiratory problems (coughs, bronchitis, colds, flu, pneumonia, excessive mucous/phlegm) for hair loss for gallstones for menstrual disorders (interruption or absence of menstrual cycle) 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
Traditional Preparation:	Infusion: One-half cup of leaf infusion twice daily Tincture: 1-3 ml of a 4:1 root tincture used twice daily. Capsules/tablets: 1-2 g of powdered leaf or root in tablets or capsules twice daily
Contraindications:	It has been documented to have contraceptive and anti-fertility effects. Not to be used during pregnancy Avenca has been documented to lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes and people with hypoglycemia should use this plant with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels accordingly. 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.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.