Botany
Adiantum pedatum is a terrestrial ferm growing up to 60 cm tall. Frond stalks are purplish, forked like a fan, with circular or horseshoe shaped rachis. Leaflets are papery and light green.

Distribution
Recently introduced to the Philippines.
Native to North America.

Constituents
Phytochemical screening has yielded terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and steroids.

Properties
Considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral and tonic.

Parts used
Fronds, stems.

Uses
Folkloric
No reported folkloric use in the Philippines.
Tea or syrup used for nasal congestion, asthma and sore throats.
Root decoction used externally to massage into rheumatic joints.
North Americans chewed the fronds, then applied them to wounds to stop bleeding.
Whole plant infusion used as emetic in agues and fevers.
Used for bronchitis, whooping cough and excessive menses.
Plant used as hair conditioner.
Alcohol leaf extract used topically for thicker hair growth
Stems used as hair wash to provide shine in the hair.
In Malaysia, whole plant used for chronic catarrh and other pectoral affections.
Others
Basketry: Stipe used as ornament in basketry.
Landscaping: Makes a good ground cover.

Studies
• Antioxidant / Antibacterial: Study of acetone and ethyl acetate extracts showed inhibitory activity against S aureus, K pneumonia, P aeruginosa and E coli. Results showed A pedatum to be a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Availability
Wild-crafted.

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Adiantum pedatum / Plants For A Future
(2)
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ADIANTUM PEDATUM L. / C.P. Chandrappa, C.B. Shilpashree, Karthik M.R, M. Govindappa and T.S. Sadananda / Journal of Phytology 2011, 3(1): 26-32
(3)
A Review on the Potential Uses of Ferns / M. Mannar Mannan, M. Maridass and B.Victor / Ethnobotanical Leaflets 12: 281-285. 2008.