A Review of Pharmacological Properties and Toxicological Effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L

Abstract

Background: Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (Family: Pteridaceae) is a well-known safe medicinal herb used in traditional and modern medicine due to its beneficial pharmacological properties. The current study aimed to compile a review on phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and toxicological effects of this plant.

Methods: An incisive search was conducted through electronic scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library using keyword 'Adiantum capillusveneris'. All related in vivo, in vitro, human (English papers), were selected from the beginning up to 1st January 2019. All letters, conference papers, papers dealing with genetics, agriculture, and pure phytochemistry of the herb were excluded.

Results: A. capillus veneris revealed various pharmacological activities including the effects on the remodeling of lung alveolar epithelial cells in a hypoxic environment, anti-toxicity properties in liver and testes, anti-hyperglycemic, and wound healing effects in diabetic or non-diabetic patients, protection against damage to fibroblasts via free radicals, activity against testosteroneinduced alopecia, anticonvulsant, depressant, analgesic and anti-nociceptive activities, as well as effects on urinary output, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antilithiatic, hypothyroidism regulatory, anti-cancer, antidiarrheal and antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic and anti-histaminic, and enzyme inhibition (in Alzheimer's, diabetes and skin disorders) activities.

Conclusion: This plant can be used as a natural potent and safe agent to alleviate numerous medical symptoms and diseases due to its useful pharmacological properties. Thus, further researches are needed in order to compile the clinical effects of this plant via human studies.

Keywords: Adiantum capillus-veneris; herbal medicine; maidenhair fern; medicinal plants; pharmacology; phytochemicals.