Polypodii rhizoma

Polypody rhizome is the common name for the rhizome (underground stem) of the plant Polypodium vulgare L (common fern).

The HMPC conclusions only cover polypody rhizome preparations that are obtained by comminuting (reducing into tiny pieces) the rhizome.

Herbal medicines containing this polypody rhizome preparation are usually available as herbal tea to be drunk or in solid forms to be taken by mouth.

Polypody rhizome preparations may also be found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines. These combinations are not covered in this summary.

The HMPC concluded that, on the basis of long-standing use, polypody rhizome preparations can be used as an expectorant (a medicine that helps to bring up phlegm) for coughs and colds as well as for short-term use in cases of occasional constipation.

Polypody rhizome medicines should only be used in adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years and should not be taken for longer than 1 week. If symptoms persist while taking the medicine or dyspnoea (difficulty breathing), fever or purulent sputum (yellow or green phlegm) occurs, a doctor or a qualified health care practitioner should be consulted. Detailed instructions on how to take polypody rhizome medicines and who can use them can be found in the package leaflet that comes with the medicine.

The HMPC conclusions on the use of these polypody medicines for coughs, colds and constipation are based on their ‘traditional use’. This means that, although there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials, the effectiveness of these herbal medicines is plausible and there is evidence that they have been used safely in this way for at least 30 years (including at least 15 years within the EU). Moreover, the intended use does not require medical supervision.

In its assessment, the HMPC noted the lack of studies in people with coughs, colds and constipation.

For detailed information on the studies assessed by the HMPC, see the HMPC assessment report.

A mild laxative effect has been reported with polypoid rhizome medicines when used for coughs and colds. The frequency is not known.

Further information on the risks associated with these polypody rhizome medicines, including the appropriate precautions for their safe use, can be found in the monograph , which is published on the Agency’s website under the section ‘Documents’.

Any applications for the licensing of medicines containing polypody rhizome have to be submitted to the national authorities responsible for medicinal products, which will assess the application for the herbal medicine and take into account the scientific conclusions of the HMPC.

Information on the use and licensing of polypody rhizome medicines in EU Member States should be obtained from the relevant national authorities.

Further information on the HMPC’s assessment of polypody rhizome medicines, including details of the Committee’s conclusions, can be found in the section ‘Documents’.

For more information about treatment with polypody rhizome medicines, read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine or contact your doctor or pharmacist.