Polypody, Bisfaij

Scientific Names: Polypodium vulgare L. Synonyms: – English Name: Polypody Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Common Polypody, Adder’s Fern, Golden-Maidenhair, Wall Fern Family: Polypodiaceae

 

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Underground stem
Cultivation Mode: Wild Collection
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, tea

🌿 Industries That Use Polypody Root (Polypodium vulgare L.)

Polypody root—known traditionally as Bisfaij in Persian and Unani medicine—is the dried rhizome of Polypodium vulgare, a fern native to Europe, the Caucasus, and parts of Western Asia. The root is prized for its mild laxative, expectorant, and tonic properties.

1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Polypody root is used in European folk medicine, Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), and Unani systems as a mild purgative and respiratory tonic.

• Digestive Uses:

  • Mild laxative for constipation

  • Digestive tonic for sluggish liver and spleen conditions

• Respiratory Uses:

  • Soothes coughs, especially dry and irritated throats

  • Mild expectorant for phlegmy conditions

• Other traditional indications:

  • Obstructions of the liver and spleen

  • Used in formulations to balance bile and treat “safra” imbalances

✅ Used in compound formulas or decoctions with Licorice, Fennel seeds, or Senna.

2. Herbal & Nutraceutical Industry

Modern herbalists use Polypody root in digestive and respiratory support supplements.

• Included in:

  • Herbal detox and liver support blends

  • Gentle herbal laxative formulations

  • Syrups or elixirs for bronchial health

✅ Sometimes combined with Angelica, Thyme, or Marshmallow root.

3. Functional Tea & Herbal Beverage Industry

Though less common, Polypody root is used in herbal tea blends for gentle bowel regulation and respiratory wellness.

• Forms:

  • Dried sliced root for decoction

  • Combined with licorice or sweet herbs to mask bitterness

✅ Root contains glycyrrhizin-like compounds, contributing a sweet aftertaste.

4. Ethnobotanical & Academic Research

• Research focuses on:

  • Triterpenes and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective potential

  • Use in traditional liver and spleen tonics

  • Role as a mild botanical laxative

✅ Studied as part of multi-herbal formulations in Unani and Persian traditional practice.

5. Ethnic, Organic & Export Markets

• Exported from Iran and Eastern Europe in forms like:

  • Dried rhizome (whole or cut)

  • Powdered root for formulation use

  • Included in TPM and Unani herb bundles

✅ Sought after by herbal apothecaries, Persian medicine practitioners, and Unani pharmacies.

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌱 Key Features of Polypody Root

• Botanical name: Polypodium vulgare L.

• Traditional name: Bisfaij (بِسفَیج)

• Part used: Rhizome (dried root)

• Flavor profile: Bitter-sweet

• Main compounds: Polypodoside A, triterpenes, flavonoids

• Primary actions: Laxative, hepatotonic, expectorant

• Traditional forms: Decoction, powder, syrup

 

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Persian Name: بسفایج/ Bisfaij- Bispais
German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Engelsüßwurzel, Gemeiner Tüpfelfarn, Gewöhnlicher Tüpfelfarn
French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Polypode commun

 

HARVEST CALENDAR

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Polypody Root (Dried) (100g)

Botanical Name: Polypodium vulgare L.
Common Names: Common Polypody, Rockcap Fern, Sweet Fern Root
Plant Part Used: Rhizome (dried)
Traditional Uses: Mild laxative, respiratory support, digestive stimulant in Western herbal medicine and historical Persian practices

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🔹General Composition (Per 100g, dried rhizome)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	~245 kcal	12%
Water	~6.5 g	—
Protein	~4.3 g	9%
Total Fat	~0.8 g	1%
• Saturated Fat	~0.2 g	<1%
Carbohydrates	~53 g	19%
• Dietary Fiber	~15 g	54%
• Natural Sugars	~18 g	—

✅ Naturally sweet due to polypodin and glycyrrhizin-like compounds.

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🔬 Minerals

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🌿 Vitamins

Vitamin	Amount	%DV
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	~9 mg	10%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.04 mg	3%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.06 mg	5%
Niacin (B3)	0.7 mg	4%
Folate (B9)	11 mcg	3%

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🧪 Phytochemical Composition

Polypody root contains unique and beneficial phytoconstituents:

• Polypodin – sweet-tasting saponin with expectorant and demulcent properties

• Glycosides – including polypodoside A and B (mild laxative effect)

• Triterpenes – anti-inflammatory, possibly immunomodulatory

• Volatile oils – aromatic, respiratory tonic

• Tannins – astringent, digestive support

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🩺 Health Benefits

System	Benefit
Digestive	Mild laxative, supports liver and bile function
Respiratory	Traditionally used for dry cough, bronchitis, sore throat
Immune	Historically used for chronic infections and convalescence
Endocrine/Metabolic	Mildly diuretic and cleansing

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⚠️ Caution & Dosage

• Common dose: 1–3 g/day dried root or in teas/syrups

• Taste profile: Pleasantly sweet; often used in traditional herbal candies

• Precautions:

  • Avoid in large doses → may cause mild diarrhea

  • Not recommended during pregnancy or for children under 6

  • May interact with diuretics or laxatives

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📦 Storage

• Store in cool, dry, dark conditions

• Use within 12 months for best flavor and potency

• Keep in airtight containers away from humidity

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🧪 Disclaimer

This profile is intended for informational and educational use. Polypody root is primarily valued for its phytochemical properties, not as a general food. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before internal use, especially in therapeutic contexts.

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