Hansraj (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) - A Review

This review of Adiantum capillus-veneris highlights its traditional medicinal uses, rich phytochemical profile, and broad range of pharmacological activities, but emphasizes the need for more research to validate and expand its therapeutic applications.

This review found that Adiantum capillus-veneris has shown potential pharmacological activities related to its traditional Unani uses, especially for inflammatory, infectious, dermatological, and hair conditions, although more clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

This source reviews the traditional and ethnopharmacological uses of Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn (Maidenhair fern), noting its historical applications for ailments such as alopecia and skin disorders, and highlights its modern pharmacological effects, including anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory properties, confirmed in recent research.

In this study, A. capillus-veneris solution demonstrated potential to reduce hair loss and improve hair characteristics in a testosterone-induced alopecia mouse model.

In laboratory and animal studies, this research found that the ethanolic leaf extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris demonstrated a range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, wound-healing, anticancer, and antidiarrheal effects, suggesting its potential for various therapeutic applications.