Are bracken ferns poisonous to humans?

Yes, bracken ferns are poisonous to humans. All parts of the bracken fern, including the fiddleheads, fronds, and rhizomes, contain a compound called ptaquiloside, which is toxic to humans and some animals. Consumption of bracken fern can cause a variety of health problems, including:

- Digestive issues: Bracken fern can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

- Bracken fern poisoning: Acute poisoning from the ingestion of large quantities of bracken fern can cause more severe symptoms, including kidney damage, liver damage, and neurological problems.

- Cancer risk: Bracken fern is considered a possible human carcinogen, and long-term consumption of bracken fern has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and other types of cancer.