Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal fern species used by communities bordering Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, Western Uganda

Medicinal ferns are an important component of traditional herbal medicine in communities bordering KCFR. The study documented different medicinal fern species for treating various ailments in communities bordering KCFR. Pteridium capense was the most frequently cited species, used to treat various illnesses. These findings highlight the significant ethnobotanical knowledge of the local communities and suggest that further research into the pharmacological properties of these fern species, especially P. capense, is warranted. Further research should characterize and elucidate bioactive compounds responsible for such therapeutic values.