A biological hazard of our age: bracken fern [Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn]–a review.

The research paper provides a thorough review of the potential dangers posed by the Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), a common and widespread plant species. It emphasizes on its toxic properties, particularly the carcinogenic compound ptaquiloside, and the health risks posed to various animals and possible contamination of water sources.

Overview of Bracken Fern

• The Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is highlighted as the fifth most common weed species around the world, capable of thriving in a wide range of soils and areas, specifically noted in the United Kingdom.
• It constitutes various poisonous agents, including some cyanogen glycosides, antithiamine factors such as thermolabile thiaminase and thermostable other compounds, and carcinogenic agents mainly ptaquiloside.

Toxicity in Animals

• The research discusses the harmful impact of Bracken fern on both ruminants (cattle, sheep) and non-ruminant animals (horses, pigs, rats, mice, etc.), emphasizing on the different toxicological problems and poisonings it causes.
• The plant’s high toxicity is attributed to its supply of the carcinogenic compound ptaquiloside which makes it a significant biological hazard.

Environmental Implications

• Bracken fern does not only pose a direct health concern to animals but also a potential risk to the environment, especially the water sources. Recent investigations, as noted in the paper, indicate that ptaquiloside might pollute different soil layers and can possibly contaminate the drinking water base through leaching. This ecotoxicological issue is deemed as the deadliest phenomenon related to P. aquilinum and ptaquiloside.
• Highlighting the specific mechanistic action, the authors state that the carcinogenic impact of ptaquiloside stems from its hydrolysis. This process produces a dienon intermediate, which can lead to the formation of DNA adducts that induce carcinoma.

The paper serves as a comprehensive review detailing the threats of Bracken fern, underlining the need for further research and the development of preventive measures to curb its toxic effects on animals and potential contamination of the environment.