Publication Date
1993
Description
Bracken fern (Pteridium spp.) is the only higher plant which has been shown to cause cancer naturally in animals. Bracken contains ptaquiloside (Pta) a known clastogen and mutagen which is believed to be the major carcinogen involved in the urinary bladder neoplasia. In New Zealand, bracken fern from an area where bovine enzootic haematuria occurs has been shown to have much higher concentrations of Pia than an area where the disease has not been identified. The difference was shown to be related to the bracken rather than the environment and was widespread for the plants in the two areas rather than confined to a single site. Pia was highest in the young growing parts of bracken fern, being highest either in the tip of the croziers or of the unfolding fronds.
Citation
Smith, B L.; Lauren, D R.; Embling, P P.; and Agnew, M, "Carcinogenicity of Bracken Fern (Pteridium spp.) in Relationship to Grazing Ruminants" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 16.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session39/16
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Carcinogenicity of Bracken Fern (Pteridium spp.) in Relationship to Grazing Ruminants
Bracken fern (Pteridium spp.) is the only higher plant which has been shown to cause cancer naturally in animals. Bracken contains ptaquiloside (Pta) a known clastogen and mutagen which is believed to be the major carcinogen involved in the urinary bladder neoplasia. In New Zealand, bracken fern from an area where bovine enzootic haematuria occurs has been shown to have much higher concentrations of Pia than an area where the disease has not been identified. The difference was shown to be related to the bracken rather than the environment and was widespread for the plants in the two areas rather than confined to a single site. Pia was highest in the young growing parts of bracken fern, being highest either in the tip of the croziers or of the unfolding fronds.
