There are phenolic compounds in polypodium leucotomos that can work by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide induced by UV exposure that creates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as ones that actually absorb UV energy. This antioxidant activity allows this extract to work as an anti-inflammatory agent in conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Read more...
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What is Polypodium leucotomos?
Polypodium leucotomos is an extract from a fern in Central and South America. The extract from the leaves of these ferns contains phenolic compounds that include benzoates and cinnamates as well as other molecules with biological activity such as quinic, shikimic, glucuronic, and malic acids. Phenolic compounds are associated with antioxidant activity.
How does polypodium leucotomos work?
There are phenolic compounds that can work by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide-induced by UV exposure that creates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as ones that actually absorb UV energy. This antioxidant activity allows this extract to work as an anti-inflammatory agent in conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Polypodium leucotomos, if present in a high enough concentration, can inhibit the production of ROS which will then reduce the impact of ROS on our cells. Polypodium also scavenges ROS that are already in the skin. This will result in a decrease in the number of damaged skin cells.
Polypodium also works by improving DNA repair systems in the cells to reduce the impact of UV-induced damage on our cells as well as an anti-inflammatory effect by supporting our skin’s immune cells.
In the dermis, polypodium supports cells responsible for collagen production called fibroblasts as well as elastic fiber production.
Is polypodium leucotomos found in any foods?
I was not able to find this in any food items.
How is polypodium leucotomos taken as a supplement?
The dose for photoprotection is about 7.5mg/kg by mouth. It is processed through the liver. Most supplements seem to contain 240 mg to 480 mg. It tends to be well tolerated with some reports of mild stomach upset, fatigue, and itching.
How is polypodium leucotomos used in dermatology?
Condition | Dosage | How it works | Notes |
Sunburn (from UVB exposure) | Decreased the number of sunburn cells and other markers for UV damage. | There is not a measurable SPF. Should be used along with other barrier methods such as sunscreen and shade. | |
Photoaging (from UVA exposure) | Reducing UVA induced DNA damage | There is not a measurable SPF. Should be used along with other barrier methods such as sunscreen and shade | |
Vitiligo | Increased repigmentation of head and neck areas | These studies are in the context of phototherapy under the supervision of a physician. | |
Melasma | Oral: 480 mg twice daily ** along with the topical application of an SPF of 50 and Hydroquinone 4% ** only under medical supervision | Improvement in melasma | Not a significant effect noted with 240 mg twice daily along with the topical application of an SPF of 45 |
Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE) | 80% of patients with some benefit | There is not a measurable SPF. Should be used along with other barrier methods such as sunscreen and shade. | |
Atopic Dermatitis | Oral: 240mg to 480 mg daily | No significant reduction in topical steroid use but there was a reduction in the need for oral antihistamines | There is not a measurable SPF. Should be used along with other barrier methods such as sunscreen and shade if spending time outdoors. |
Photoprotection for high risk melanoma patients | Oral: 720 mg daily divided into 3 doses ** Only under medical supervision | Benefits noted in patients with familial melanoma with CDKN2A mutations | There is not a measurable SPF. Should be used along with other barrier methods such as sunscreen and shade. |
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus Porphyria cutanea tarda Post inflammatory pigmentation | No large studies | Potential for use based on small studies and case reports. | There is not a measurable SPF. Should be used along with other barrier methods such as sunscreen and shade if spending time outdoors. |
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