Bracken fern (genus Pteridium) toxicity - a global problem.

Abstract

This chapter covers the toxicity of brackens and discusses the wide range of syndromes of bracken poisoning in animals such as thiamine deficiency, acute haemorrhagic diseases, bright blindness, enzootic haematuria ad upper alimentary carcinoma. A discussion on the carcinogens and toxins in bracken and other ferns, as well as on the extraction, analysis and action of ptaquiloside from brackens, are presented.