Common polypody
Polypodium vulgare
Other names: Polypody, oak fern (folk), brake root, Polypodii rhizoma
Photo credit: Michael Linnenbach / Wikimedia Commons
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Mild; generally well-tolerated at traditional doses. Excess may cause loose stools/GI upset (saponin/laxative effect); limited safety data.
Contraindications: Acute intestinal obstruction/inflammatory bowel conditions (as with any laxative); pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data); children — avoid without guidance.
Interactions: Theoretical additive effect with other laxatives; chronic laxative use can affect electrolyte balance and potentiate digoxin/antiarrhythmic toxicity (general laxative caution).
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid (insufficient data).
Evidence level
Reported in folk medicine sources; not clinically validated. Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.
Preparations
decoction · rhizome
Part used: rhizome
Traditional use: mild expectorant; gentle laxative for occasional constipation(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)
Proposed mechanism: saponin (osladin); polyphenols, ecdysteroids
Dosage note (descriptive only): not for prolonged use
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not a food; rhizome is a flavor/medicinal material
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- Polypodium vulgare L. … Polyphenolic Profile, Cytotoxicity and Cytoprotective Properties (PMC, 2021)
- Polypody Root — Uses, Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties — Herbal Supplement Resource (EN)
- Polypody: Cough Uses, Side Effects, & Dosage — MedicineNet (EN)