Overview
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern from Central and South America. The underground "runners" (rhizomes) of the plant are used for medicine.
People use Polypodium leucotomos for sunburn, eczema (atopic dermatitis), scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis), a skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
People use Polypodium leucotomos for sunburn, eczema (atopic dermatitis), scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis), a skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
How does it work ?
Polypodium leucotomos might have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants might prevent damage caused by excessive sun exposure.
Uses & Effectiveness
Insufficient Evidence for
- Rough, scaly patches on skin caused by long-term sun exposure (actinic keratosis). Early research suggests that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract along with using light therapy helps to reduce scaly patches on the scalp.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Early research suggests that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract might reduce inflammation in people with itchy and inflamed skin from eczema.
- Diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, that interfere with thinking (dementia). Some early research shows that taking a Polypodium leucotomos extract 360 mg daily for 4 weeks improves mental function in people with mild to moderate dementia. But taking 720 mg doesn't seem to be beneficial. The reason for the lack of benefit with the higher dose is unclear.
- Dark skin patches on the face (melasma). Some early research suggests that taking Polypodium leucotomos doesn't help to lighten dark skin patches from melasma. But other research suggests that it might have a small effect when used with hydroquinone cream and sunscreen.
- Skin rash caused by sun exposure (polymorphous light eruption or PMLE). Early research shows that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract may help to prevent skin rash after sun exposure in people who react to the sun.
- Skin damage caused by PUVA therapy. PUVA is a form of light therapy used to treat psoriasis. But it can cause sunburn and other forms of skin damage. There is evidence that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract or using a lotion containing Polypodium leucotomos 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.
- Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). There is evidence that taking Polypodium leucotomos extracts might improve symptoms of severe psoriasis.
- Sunburn. There is evidence that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract or using a lotion containing Polypodium leucotomos before sun exposure can reduce reddening of the skin and signs of skin damage.
- A skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo). There is evidence that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract might increase skin color on some, but not all, body areas in people with vitiligo.
- Skin cancer.
- Other cancers.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 5 months. Daily doses used typically range from 360-480 mg. Higher doses of 960-1200 mg daily have been used safely for shorter durations of 2-4 weeks.
When applied to the skin: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term.
When applied to the skin: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 5 months. Daily doses used typically range from 360-480 mg. Higher doses of 960-1200 mg daily have been used safely for shorter durations of 2-4 weeks.
When applied to the skin: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Polypodium leucotomos is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term. Polypodium leucotomos extract has been used safely for up to 6 months at doses of 240 mg daily in children aged 2-5 years, 360 mg daily in children aged 6-12 years, and 480 mg daily in children over 12 years of age.
When applied to the skin: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Polypodium leucotomos is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Polypodium leucotomos extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term. Polypodium leucotomos extract has been used safely for up to 6 months at doses of 240 mg daily in children aged 2-5 years, 360 mg daily in children aged 6-12 years, and 480 mg daily in children over 12 years of age.
Interactions
We currently have no information for POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS overview.
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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.