Angiopteris evecta

Angiopteris evecta

Product Name: ангиоптерис эвекта, Angiopteris evecta, Bootfarn, helecho rey, helecho elefante, helecho pie de mula, fougère royale, fougère éléphant, سرخس الملك, ว่านกีบแรด, กีบม้าลม, เฟิร์นกีบแรด, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta, Angiopteris evecta.

Synonyms: Russian: королевский папоротник, гигантский папоротник, папоротник «ступня мула», папоротник-слон; English: king fern, royal fern, giant fern, elephant fern, mule's-foot fern, oriental vessel fern, Madagascar tree fern; German: Bootfarn; Spanish: helecho rey, helecho elefante, helecho pie de mula; French: fougère royale, fougère éléphant; Arabic: سرخس الملك ; Thai: ว่านกีบแรด, กีบม้าลม, เฟิร์นกีบแรด. Scientific synonyms: Polypodium evectum, Danaea evecta, Angiopteris erecta, Angiopteris elongata, Angiopteris canaliculata, etc.

Used Parts: rhizome (most commonly used), roots, leaves (young and mature).

Main Indications for Angiopteris evecta: infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology, acute diarrhea, bacterial vaginitis, bacterial cervicitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, capillary bleeding, erosive-ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa, insect bites.

Use of Angiopteris evecta in Mixtures and Complexes: snake bites, vaginitis of mixed etiology, recurrent urinary tract infections, gastroenterocolitis of mixed or unspecified etiology, functional dyspepsia, secondarily infected dermatitis.

Pharmacological Properties of Angiopteris evecta: antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent, hemostatic, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, nutritive.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Angiopteris evecta

Powder — Angiopteris evecta

Indications (Powder): infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology, acute diarrhea, erosive-ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa, capillary bleeding, bacterial vaginitis, bacterial cervicitis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): internally, 1.5–2 grams of powder 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): internally, 3 grams of powder 3 times a day for acute infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology, bacterial vaginitis, bacterial cervicitis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): internally, up to 4 grams of powder 3 times a day for severe infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): internally, 1 gram of powder once a day for 14 days every 3 months for patients with chronic colitis, recurrent bacterial urinary tract infections, chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children 12 years and older with a body weight from 35 kg, 0.5–1 gram of powder 2 times a day; data on use in younger children are not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute gastrointestinal bleeding; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 12 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose — nausea, increased diarrhea, abdominal cramps.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20%; for weight over 90 kg, increase the dose by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): take 100 grams of thoroughly dried plant rhizomes, grind to a fine powder in a porcelain mortar, sieve through a sieve with a mesh size of no more than 0.3 mm, pack in an airtight dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of +5 to +25 °C, away from direct light and sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 24 months; after opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Angiopteris evecta

Indications (Dry Extract): infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology, acute diarrhea, bacterial vaginitis, bacterial cervicitis, capillary bleeding, erosive-ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): internally, 0.4–0.5 grams of dry extract 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): internally, 0.8 grams of dry extract 2 times a day for acute infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology and bacterial cervicitis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): internally, 1 gram of dry extract 3 times a day for severe infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): internally, 0.25 grams once a day for 10 days every 3 months for patients with chronic colitis, recurrent bacterial urinary tract infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children 12 years and older with a body weight from 35 kg, 0.2–0.25 grams 2 times a day; data on use in younger children are not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute gastrointestinal bleeding; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 12 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose — nausea, increased diarrhea, abdominal cramps.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20%; for weight over 90 kg, increase the dose by 20%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): take 500 grams of dry plant rhizomes, grind to a coarse powder, pour 3 liters of distilled water, heat in a water bath at a temperature of 85 °C for 3 hours, filter, evaporate the filtrate to a syrup consistency, dry at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a powdery state, weigh 100 grams of the finished dry extract, pack in an airtight dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of +5 to +25 °C, away from direct light and sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 24 months; after opening the package, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Angiopteris evecta

Indications (Tincture): infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology, acute diarrhea, bacterial vaginitis, bacterial cervicitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, capillary bleeding (topically), erosive-ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa (topically).

Standard Dosage (Tincture): internally, 20 drops of tincture 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals, dissolved in 50 ml of warm water. For external use — moisten the affected area 2–3 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): internally, 30 drops 3 times a day for acute bacterial gastroenteritis and bacterial cervicitis.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): internally, 40 drops 3 times a day for severe infectious gastroenteritis of bacterial etiology under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): internally, 15 drops once a day for 10 days every 3–4 months for patients with chronic colitis and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): internal use in children under 18 years of age is not recommended; for external use from 12 years — 5–10 drops per 50 ml of warm water for rinsing or compresses.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, acute liver diseases, alcoholism, epilepsy; data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose — dizziness, nausea, increased diarrhea, allergic reaction to ethanol.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 15%; for weight over 90 kg, increase the dose by 15%.

Preparation method (Tincture): take 30 grams of dry crushed plant rhizomes, pour 200 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol, infuse in a dark place at a temperature of +20...+25 °C for 14 days, shaking periodically, filter through gauze, squeeze out the residue, bring the tincture volume to 200 ml, pour into dark glass bottles of 50–100 ml.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark place at a temperature of +5 to +25 °C, away from direct light and heat sources; shelf life — 36 months; after opening the bottle, use within 6 months.

Oil Infusion — Angiopteris evecta

Indications (Oil Infusion): bacterial vaginitis, bacterial cervicitis, erosive-ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa (topically), capillary bleeding (topically), insect bites (topically), secondarily infected dermatitis (externally).

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — apply 2–3 ml of oil infusion to the affected area 2–3 times a day; for vaginal applications — 5 ml once a day for 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): for acute bacterial vaginitis — vaginal applications of 10 ml once a day, externally — 3–4 times a day.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): vaginal applications up to 15 ml once a day, externally — up to 5 times a day for severe inflammatory processes under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — apply 1–2 ml once a day for 5–7 days each month for the prevention of chronic vaginitis and dermatitis recurrences.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 12 years — externally 0.5–1 ml 1–2 times a day; data on use in younger children are not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin processes; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, itching, rash.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: dose adjustment is not required as it is for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): take 20 grams of dry crushed plant rhizomes, pour 100 ml of organic coconut oil, keep in a water bath at a temperature of +45...+50 °C for 3 hours, remove from heat, cool to +25 °C, filter through gauze, squeeze out the residue, pour into dark glass bottles of 50–100 ml.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a dark place at a temperature of +5 to +20 °C, away from direct light; shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 90 days.

Gel — Angiopteris evecta

Indications (Gel): androgenetic alopecia, diffuse alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, bacterial folliculitis, itching of the scalp of non-allergic etiology.

Standard Dosage (Gel): apply 2–3 ml of gel to the skin of the scalp once a day, gently massaging in for 3–5 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Gel): apply 2–3 ml of gel 2 times a day during the active phase of hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia or severe seborrhea.

Maximum Dosage (Gel): apply 5 ml of gel 2 times a day for pronounced alopecia and intense itching, under the supervision of a trichologist.

Preventive Dosage (Gel): apply 2 ml of gel 2–3 times a week for 2 months every six months for patients with a hereditary predisposition to androgenetic alopecia.

Pediatric Dosage (Gel): from 14 years — apply 1 ml of gel once a day; data on use in younger children are not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Gel): individual intolerance, open wounds of the scalp, acute purulent inflammatory processes; data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Gel): in case of overdose — skin irritation, itching, hyperemia, flaking.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: dose adjustment is not required as it is for external use.

Preparation method (Gel): take 10 grams of dry plant rhizome powder, mix with 60 ml of organic aloe vera juice, add 25 ml of organic coconut oil, introduce 5 grams of natural thickener (guar gum or xanthan gum), stir in a water bath at a temperature of +40 °C until a homogeneous mass is formed, cool to +25 °C, pour into tubes of 50–100 ml.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Gel): store in a dark place at a temperature of +5 to +10 °C; shelf life — 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Lotion — Angiopteris evecta

Indications (Lotion): androgenetic alopecia, diffuse alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, bacterial folliculitis, itching of the scalp of non-allergic etiology.

Standard Dosage (Lotion): apply 3–4 ml of lotion to the skin of the scalp once a day, distributing evenly along the partings.

Enhanced Dosage (Lotion): apply 3–4 ml of lotion 2 times a day during the active phase of hair loss and severe seborrhea.

Maximum Dosage (Lotion): apply 5 ml of lotion 2 times a day for severe forms of alopecia under specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Lotion): apply 2 ml of lotion 2–3 times a week for 2 months every six months for patients with a hereditary predisposition to alopecia.

Pediatric Dosage (Lotion): from 14 years — apply 1–2 ml of lotion once a day; data on use in younger children are not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Lotion): individual intolerance, open wounds of the scalp, acute purulent inflammatory processes; data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Lotion): in case of overdose — skin irritation, itching, flaking.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: dose adjustment is not required as it is for external use.

Preparation method (Lotion): take 20 grams of dry plant rhizome powder, pour 150 ml of rosemary hydrolate, add 20 ml of organic coconut oil, introduce 10 ml of rosemary alcoholic extract, mix, infuse in the refrigerator for 48 hours, filter, pour into spray bottles of 50–100 ml.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Lotion): store in a dark place at a temperature of +5 to +10 °C; shelf life — 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Angiopteris evecta

Data on the toxicity of Angiopteris evecta are limited. In available animal studies, extracts of rhizomes and leaves did not cause signs of acute toxicity with oral and topical application at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight, which allows the plant to be classified as having low acute toxicity. LD₅₀ values for aqueous and alcoholic extracts upon oral administration to rats exceed 2000 mg/kg, indicating the absence of a significant lethal dose within standard therapeutic limits. Chronic toxicity has not been fully studied; there are no data on carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or teratogenicity. With topical application in gel and lotion form, no irritating or sensitizing effects were detected in studies.

Reference: A Comparison Study of Hair Tonic and Gel Formulation of Angiopteris Evecta as a Hair Growth Stimulant. Academia.edu, 2023.

Pharmacodynamics of Angiopteris evecta

The pharmacodynamic properties of Angiopteris evecta are determined by a complex of biologically active compounds, including phenolic substances, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and organic acids, which provide a multifaceted effect on the body's physiological systems. Experiments have shown pronounced antioxidant activity associated with the inhibition of lipid peroxidation processes and stabilization of cell membranes. This effect is mediated by the ability of phenolic compounds to bind free radicals and interrupt chain oxidation reactions, which contributes to maintaining the structural integrity of tissues.

The pronounced anti-inflammatory effect of Angiopteris evecta is associated with an influence on the mediator links of the inflammatory process. Plant extracts are able to reduce the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and reduce capillary permeability. At the level of the immune system, a modulating effect on cellular and humoral mechanisms has been established, manifested in the normalization of macrophage and lymphocyte functions.

The plant contains astringent components that cause a local adsorbing and protective effect on mucous membranes and skin. These compounds form a protective film, reduce irritation, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Laboratory studies have shown an antimicrobial effect against a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some microscopic fungi.

A local hemostatic effect is noted, which is associated with increased platelet aggregation and reduced blood clotting time at the application site. This property is complemented by a stimulating effect on the processes of epithelial regeneration, which promotes accelerated restoration of damaged skin and mucosal tissues.

Cosmetic forms based on Angiopteris evecta, applied topically, exhibit a stimulating effect on hair growth, which is associated with improved microcirculation and trophism of hair follicles, as well as antioxidant protection of scalp cells. With transdermal application, active substances exert a mild antimicrobial and seborrhea-regulating effect.

References: A Comparison Study of Hair Tonic and Gel Formulation of Angiopteris Evecta as a Hair Growth Stimulant. Academia.edu, 2023; Tropical Ferns in Traditional Medicine, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021.

Pharmacokinetics — Angiopteris evecta

With oral administration of powder and dry extract of Angiopteris evecta, absorption of active components begins in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Water-soluble fractions (polysaccharides, phenolic compounds) are absorbed mainly in the small intestine, while part of the complex polyphenols undergoes preliminary hydrolysis under the action of intestinal microflora. Lipophilic components from oil forms penetrate through enterocytes with the participation of micelles formed by bile acids.

With transdermal and mucosal application (gels, lotions, oil infusions), absorption occurs through the epidermis and epithelial membranes due to lipophilic fractions, which are able to penetrate the dermal layer and reach small vessels of the microcirculatory bed. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts with topical application act primarily at the level of the epidermis and superficial layers of the dermis, creating a local therapeutic effect.

The distribution of active substances in the body is characterized by predominant accumulation of phenolic compounds in the liver and kidneys, and polysaccharides — in the plasma and interstitial fluid. With topical application, systemic absorption is minimal, which reduces the risk of systemic side effects.

Metabolism of polyphenolic compounds occurs mainly in the liver with the participation of conjugation enzymes (glucuronidation, sulfation), which contributes to their inactivation and increased solubility. Lipophilic fractions are metabolized to form more polar metabolites excreted by the kidneys and with bile.

Excretion of water-soluble components occurs mainly with urine, lipophilic ones — with bile, a small part — through the skin with the secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands. Interaction with gut microbiota plays a role in the release of aglycones from glycosidic forms and increasing the bioavailability of some components.

References: Pharmacological Properties of Fern Extracts, Journal of Natural Medicines, 2020; A Comparison Study of Hair Tonic and Gel Formulation of Angiopteris Evecta as a Hair Growth Stimulant. Academia.edu, 2023.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Angiopteris evecta

The pharmacological activity of Angiopteris evecta is determined by the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and polysaccharides, which interact with key cellular and molecular targets. The antioxidant effect is associated with direct binding of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation through the activation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The anti-inflammatory effect is realized by suppressing the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), leading to a decrease in the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is data on the blocking of NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, which contributes to reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and decreasing the activation of neutrophils and macrophages.

The antimicrobial properties of the plant are explained by the ability of flavonoids and tannins to disrupt bacterial membrane integrity, alter its permeability, and inhibit key microbial metabolic enzymes. The antifungal effect is associated with suppression of ergosterol biosynthesis and disruption of fungal cell wall structure. The local astringent effect is provided by the formation of protein-poly saccharide complexes on tissue surfaces, leading to reduced exudation and the formation of a protective film.

In cosmetic forms based on Angiopteris evecta, stimulation of skin microcirculation is suggested due to modulation of endothelial function and enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO), as well as an anti-proliferative effect on sebaceous glands, which helps normalize the skin's lipid balance. The effect on hair follicles may be associated with the activation of growth factors and suppression of oxidative stress in dermal papilla cells.

References: https://www.academia.edu/93335171/A_Comparison_Study_of_Hair_Tonic_and_Gel_Formulation_of_Angiopteris_Evecta_as_a_Hair_Growth_Stimulant https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874121005146

Synergy — Angiopteris evecta

Synergistic effects of Angiopteris evecta have been described in combination with other plant and natural components possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial action. The combination with polyphenol-rich extracts of green tea or Camellia sinensis enhances the antioxidant potential due to an additive effect in neutralizing free radicals and stabilizing membranes. Joint use with plants containing saponins (e.g., Panax ginseng) demonstrates potentiation of anti-inflammatory action through co-inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK cascades. As part of multi-component cosmetic products, Angiopteris evecta in combination with rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lavender hydrolate (Lavandula angustifolia) exhibits a pronounced modulating effect on scalp microcirculation and trophism, increasing the overall effectiveness of hair growth stimulation. When combined with oils rich in monoterpenes (e.g., tea tree oil), enhanced antimicrobial action against a wide spectrum of skin microflora is noted, explained by various mechanisms of damage to microorganism cell membranes. In systemic phytocomplexes, the combination of Angiopteris evecta with sources of flavonoids and tannins of plant origin demonstrates additive and potentiating antioxidant and astringent effects, confirmed by in vitro studies. This effect is associated with multifaceted action on the mediator links of the inflammatory response and additional strengthening of tissue barrier functions.

References: https://www.academia.edu/93335171/A_Comparison_Study_of_Hair_Tonic_and_Gel_Formulation_of_Angiopteris_Evecta_as_a_Hair_Growth_Stimulant https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33975034/

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Angiopteris evecta

Angiopteris evecta has broad ethnobotanical significance in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Oceania, and Pacific island territories. Traditionally, the plant is found and used in Fiji, Samoa, New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. In Thai traditional medicine, rhizomes were used in the form of powdered powders and decoctions, used as part of external applications and washes. In some areas of Northern Thailand, the plant was part of multi-component herbal mixtures for women's health and astringents for mucous membranes.

In the islands of Oceania and Polynesia, young leaves and starchy rhizomes were used as a nutritious product and simultaneously as raw material for medicinal pastes and poultices. In the culture of Melanesian peoples, Angiopteris evecta was considered a plant associated with the strength of the earth and water; rhizomes and leaves were used in initiation and purification rites, as well as in ritual washing. In the traditions of Fiji and Samoa, the plant was used in the form of compresses, wraps, and warm infusions for local effects on skin and soft tissue areas.

Historical mentions of the use of Angiopteris evecta are found in 19th–20th century ethnographic descriptions made by missionaries and researchers of Pacific flora. In some rural communities of Papua New Guinea, the large leaves of the plant were used as natural food packaging, and in ritual ceremonies — as an attribute to denote status or a symbol of protection. In certain regions of Indonesia and Malaysia, the plant's rhizomes were included in the composition of medicinal ointments with coconut oil, used in traditional systems to support skin condition.

In addition to medicinal properties, in a number of cultures, Angiopteris evecta was part of ritual practices, where it was used as a protective and cleansing plant. In Polynesian beliefs, it was considered a symbol of vitality, and in some coastal communities — a plant bringing luck to fishermen.