POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Overview Information
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern from Central America. The underground “runners” (rhizomes) are used for medicine.
Polypodium leucotomos is used to prevent certain skin problems including sunburn, eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin cancer. It is also used for other cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.
How does it work?
Polypodium leucotomos might have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants might prevent damage caused by excessive sun exposure.
POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Preventing sunburn. Developing evidence suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Fernblock, Cantabria Farmaceutica) before sun exposure can reduce reddening of the skin and signs of skin damage. Early research also suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Difur, Cantabria Farmaceutica) or applying a lotion containing Polypodium leucotomos before sun exposure might decrease sun damage. Clinical studies on sunburn and sun damage have used a specific extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock, Cantabria Farmaceutica). This extract is used in Heliocare brand name products.
- Psoralen-UVA (PUVA) light exposure damage. Psoralen is a medication for a skin condition called psoriasis. Exposure to UV light makes psoralen work better in some patients. This combination treatment is called PUVA. There is some evidence that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Fernblock, Cantabria Farmaceutica) before PUVA treatment can reduce skin redness and signs of light damage. Polypodium leucotomos also seems to decrease skin darkening that happens to some people after PUVA treatment. Early research also suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Difur, Cantabria Farmaceutica) or application of a lotion containing Polypodium leucotomos extract before light exposure might decrease skin damage in people with psoralen-sensitized skin.
- Psoriasis. Some evidence suggests that taking a water extract of Polypodium leucotomos might improve symptoms of severe psoriasis.
- A condition called vitiligo in which whitish patches appear on the skin. There are some reports that a specific extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos, ASAC Pharma) can return some skin color in patients with vitiligo.
- Eczema (Atopic dermatitis).
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Skin cancer.
- Other cancers.
- Other conditions.
POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Side Effects & Safety
Polypodium leucotomos seems to be safe when used appropriately for only two days. The safety of long-term use is not known. There is very little information available about possible side effects of Polypodium leucotomos. It may cause upset stomach in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of Polypodium leucotomos during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Interactions
We currently have no information for POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Interactions
POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Dosing
The appropriate dose of Polypodium leucotomos depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Polypodium leucotomos. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
