Male Fern Rhizome
- Chinese
- 绵马贯众
- Pinyin
- Mian Ma Guan Zhong
- Latin
- Rhizoma Dryopteris Crassirhizomae
Known in TCM as Mian Ma Guan Zhong (绵马贯众), this bitter and acrid, cold herb enters the Liver, Lung, and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity; used historically for epidemic febrile disease prevention and sore throat from Heat-toxin, most often applied for intestinal parasites, abnormal uterine bleeding, and sore throat. Modern research has identified Phloroglucinol among its active constituents.
Part used: Rhizome
Also Known As
Latin: Rhizoma Dryopteris Crassirhizomae | Pinyin: Mian Ma Guan Zhong | Chinese: 绵马贯众
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter, acrid
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Liver, Lung, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; used historically for epidemic febrile disease prevention and sore throat from Heat-toxin
- Expels and kills intestinal parasites, including tapeworm and roundworm
- Cools Blood and stops bleeding for Heat-pattern uterine bleeding
Secondary Actions
- Charred form used specifically for its hemostatic action
Classical References
- Documented since early materia medica for parasite expulsion and as a folk preventive during seasonal epidemic outbreaks
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Phloroglucinol derivatives (dryocrassin ABBA, filixic acid ABA)
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
Studied Effects
- Dryocrassin ABBA and filixic acid ABA inhibit influenza neuraminidase (H5N1) in vitro
- Phloroglucinols also studied for inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease
- Anthelmintic activity supports traditional parasite-expelling use
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency without parasites or Heat-toxin
Cautions
- Mildly toxic; do not exceed recommended dosage
- High doses may cause headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspnea, or transient vision loss
- Avoid prolonged use
Conditions
- Intestinal Parasites Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Sore Throat Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Fever Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Male Fern Rhizome used for?
Male Fern Rhizome is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; used historically for epidemic febrile disease prevention and sore throat from Heat-toxin, Expels and kills intestinal parasites, including tapeworm and roundworm, Cools Blood and stops bleeding for Heat-pattern uterine bleeding. Research has investigated its effects on: Dryocrassin ABBA and filixic acid ABA inhibit influenza neuraminidase (H5N1) in vitro; Phloroglucinols also studied for inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.
What are other names for Male Fern Rhizome?
Male Fern Rhizome is also known as Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Wood Fern, Shield Fern Rhizome. In TCM: 绵马贯众 (Mian Ma Guan Zhong); Rhizoma Dryopteris Crassirhizomae.
Is Male Fern Rhizome safe during pregnancy?
Male Fern Rhizome is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Male Fern Rhizome?
Male Fern Rhizome should not be used in: Pregnancy; Spleen-Stomach Deficiency without parasites or Heat-toxin. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.