Polypodium leucotomos extract is a type of fern found in the American tropics and sub-tropics. It has a long history of use in traditional Honduran medicine, particularly for the relief and protection of the skin.
On this page, we will take a closer look at the Polypodium leucotomos extract benefits and show you how to take Polypodium leucotomos capsules to support skin, as well as hair and nails.
What are the benefits of Polypodium Leucotoms Extract Capsules?
So, what is Polypodium leucotomos and how can it benefit your health?
While more research needs to be done to make definitive claims about Polypodium leucotomos benefits, there are some conclusions that can be made from studies that have been done:
- Clinical trials show that Polypodium leucotomos has antioxidant activity.
- Research also shows Polypodium leucotomos may exhibit photoprotective properties and may work in conjunction with applied sunscreens used to protect the skin from UV rays.
- Multiple studies have been performed showing that Polypodium supplements may encourage the preservation of skin tissue structure.
- Research also indicates Polypodium leucotomos may help protect DNA.
- Additional studies show that Polypodium leucotomos may neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species, particularly superoxide anion.
Whether you are interested in Polypodium leucotomos for hair or are intrigued by the potential Polypodium leucotomos skin benefits, taking a Polypodium leucotomos supplement is one of the most effective ways to naturally increase your daily intake of it. Just make sure it is a high-quality product.
Polypodium Leucotomos Side Effects
Studies have been done to test the safety of the Polypodium leucotomos extract supplement. Overall, trials have concluded that taking the recommended amount of the extract is safe for healthy adults. However, before you start taking a Polypodium leucotomos fern supplement, it is crucial to assess your own, specific health conditions. Whether you are taking Polypodium leucotomos for psoriasis or as an alternative way to protect your skin from UV radiation, you’ll want to speak to your healthcare provider.
And if you are currently taking any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or other supplements, you should speak to your doctor to make sure it is okay for you to take the recommended amount of Polypodium leucotomos supplements and ensure there will not be any negative interactions.
Note, however, that studies looking into the safety of this extract are not complete.
That being said, there will be more to come. If you are currently suffering from any kind of pre-existing health condition, you will want to discuss any supplements with your doctor. For some people, taking this supplement may not be the best option, but it’s best to find out from a medical professional.
Most notably, it is unclear if taking this extract is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid this supplement until you have given birth and are finished nursing.
If you notice any unusual side effects after starting a new supplement regimen – whether it is Polypodium leucotomos or something else – you should stop taking it immediately and speak with your healthcare practitioner. You should resume supplementation if it is approved by a medical doctor.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. This product is a nutritional supplement and should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
Keep out of reach of children.
PREGNANCY AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using this product.
SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS
Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are taking any medications or other supplements as there may be potential interactions.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Daily serving: 2 capsules
Number of servings per bottle: 45 |
Quantity
per serving |
| Polypodium leucotomos 4:1 leef extract |
1,000 mg |
| Other ingredients: acacia gum, white rice flour.
|
Each vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg of Polypodium leucotomos 4:1 leef extract.
How to take Polypodium Leucotomos Extract?
Our Polypodium supplement comes in a bottle with 90 vegetarian capsules. We recommend adults to take 2 capsules of 500 mg every day. Each serving contains 1,000 mg of Polypodium leucotomos 4:1 leaf extract. The only other two ingredients are acacia gum and white rice flour.
For most people, it makes sense to take one or two capsules each day. It is best to take both capsules in the morning, at least thirty minutes before you plan on having any exposure to the sun. However, when you go out in the sun, you should still use topical skin products to avoid exposure.
You should store all your supplements out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark location. It is also important to keep all supplements out of the reach of children and pets. These fern extract supplements are meant for healthy adults who are looking to boost their overall well-being.
For all other uses, you should speak with a healthcare provider before taking these capsules.
- Ramírez-Bosca A, Zapater P, Betlloch I, et al. Polypodium leucotomos extract in dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2012;103(7):599–607.
- Korman AM, Reynolds KA, Nabhan F, Konda B, Shah MH, Kaffenberger BH.-induced Phototoxic Drug Eruption Treated with Polypodium Leucotomos Extract: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(10):35–38.
- Middelkamp-Hup MA, Pathak MA, Parrado C, et al. Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(6):910–918. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2004.06.027.
- Bhatia N. Polypodium leucotomos: a potential new photoprotective agent. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015;16(2):73–79.
- Capote R, Alonso-Lebrero JL, García F, Brieva A, Pivel JP, González S. Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits trans-urocanic acid photoisomerization and photodecomposition. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2006;82(3):173–179.
- Palomino, Olga. (2014). Current knowledge in Polypodium leucotomos effect on skin protection. Archives of dermatological research. 307.
- Nestor MS, Berman B, Swenson N. Safety and Efficacy of Oral Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Healthy Adult Subjects. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(2):19–23.
- Caccialanza M, Percivalle S, Piccinno R, Brambilla R. Photoprotective activity of oral polypodium leucotomos extract in 25 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2007;23(1):46–47.
- Alonso-Lebrero JL, Domínguez-Jiménez C, Tejedor R, Brieva A, Pivel JP. Photoprotective properties of a hydrophilic extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos on human skin cells. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2003;70(1):31–37.
- Gombau L, García F, Lahoz A, et al. Polypodium leucotomos extract: antioxidant activity and disposition. Toxicol In Vitro. 2006;20(4):464–471.
- González S, Pathak MA. Inhibition of ultraviolet-induced formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, erythema and skin photosensitization by polypodium leucotomos. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 1996;12(2):45–56.
- Philips N, Conte J, Chen YJ, et al. Beneficial regulation of matrixmetalloproteinases and their inhibitors, fibrillar collagens and transforming growth factor-beta by Polypodium leucotomos, directly or in dermal fibroblasts, ultraviolet radiated fibroblasts, and melanoma cells. Arch Dermatol Res. 2009;301(7):487–495.
- M.-A. Middelkamp‐Hup, J.-D. Bos, F. Rius‐Diaz, S. Gonzalez, W. Westerhof, Treatment of vitiligo vulgaris with narrow‐band UVB and oral Polypodium leucotomos extract: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2007 Aug;21(7):942-50.
- Gonzalez S. et al., Topical or oral administration with an extract of Polypodium leucotomos prevents acute sunburn and psoralen-induced phototoxic reactions as well as depletion of Langerhans cells in human skin, Photodermatology Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 1997, 13:50-60.
- Termeer C, Reinhold U, Dirschka T, von Kiedrowski R, Kurzen H. Long-term use of fumaric acid esters for the treatment of psoriasis in daily practice [published online ahead of print, 2019 Nov 12]. J Dermatolog Treat. 2019;1–7. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1688234.
