Clinical Efficacy & Safety of Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Extract for Photoprotection: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) is a naturally derived compound from a fern native to South America. PLE has been shown to have antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Several different preparations of PLE are commercially available.Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of PLE for photoprotection in humans.Methods: A systematic review was conducted in 3 databases (Medline, Embase, and Cochrane) for studies that reported on the clinical efficacy and safety of PLE in humans. A data collection form was created for collecting study variables and risk of bias was assessed.Results: Eighteen studies with sample sizes ranging from n=5 to n-61 were included. The most common formulation of PLE studied was Fernblock® (Heliocare, Ferndale Healthcare, Ferndale, MI) in 18 studies. Most studies reported beneficial photoprotective effects of PLE as evidenced by increased MED. No serious adverse effects were reported.Conclusions: Multiple studies have shown the beneficial photoprotective effects and safety of the Fernblock® PLE formulation, but there is minimal evidence to support the safety and efficacy of other formulations. Given that the extraction methodology varies for herbal nutraceuticals and can affect its efficacy, these findings cannot be extrapolated to other formulations of PLE.

Medicinal Plant Extracts and Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review

“…Another option may be to find safe combinations of treatments to control photosensitivity, for example by combining a photoprotective supplement like Phlebodium aureum (L.) J. Sm . [Polypodiaceae] extract ( Alonso-Lebrero et al, 2003 ; Prado et al, 2018 ; Segars et al, 2021 ) with an anti-inflammatory agent as was performed in a case report of subacute CLE ( Breithaupt and Jacob, 2012 ).…”

Short‐term administration of Polypodium leucotomos extract does not inhibit CYP3A4‐mediated metabolism of midazolam in healthy subjects: an open‐label, two‐period, fixed‐sequence study

“…[1][2][3] PL extract exhibits skin-protective effects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and antioxidant activity against free radicals and reactive oxygen species generated by UV-induced inflammatory reactions in the skin. 4,5 Therefore, dietary supplements containing PL extract are marketed as oral sunscreen. Although there are no reports of adverse events caused by PL extracts in humans, it is important to assess its safety when used concomitantly with other medicines.…”

“…Polypodium leucotomos (PL) is a plant native to South America, and its leaf extract has been used to treat cutaneous diseases, such as vitiligo, melasma, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis 1–3 . PL extract exhibits skin‐protective effects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and antioxidant activity against free radicals and reactive oxygen species generated by UV‐induced inflammatory reactions in the skin 4,5 . Therefore, dietary supplements containing PL extract are marketed as oral sunscreen.…”