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Overview: Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) comes from a tropical fern known as Polypodium leucotomos (also classified as Phlebodium aureum). The dried fronds of the plant are used to make an oral supplement. People take PLE mainly to help protect their skin from sun damage, though it is not a substitute for sunscreen. It is also used for sun-sensitive skin conditions, uneven skin color, and other skin concerns. Benefits are not fully established for all conditions. Most people tolerate PLE well. Side effects, when they occur, are usually mild and include stomach upset and itching. Before taking PLE, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Polypodium leucotomos used for?

Common reasons for using PLE include the following.

Sun protection. PLE is taken as an add-on to sunscreen and sun-avoidance measures. Some studies show it can increase the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light needed to cause sunburn and reduce UV-related skin changes.
Sun-triggered skin conditions. PLE has been studied for conditions such as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), a rash caused by sun exposure, and actinic prurigo, a chronic sun-triggered skin disorder. Some evidence suggests PLE may help reduce flares of these conditions.
Uneven skin color. PLE has been studied for melasma (dark patches on the skin) and vitiligo (patches of lost skin color).
Actinic keratoses. PLE has been explored as a complement to other treatments in patients with sun-damaged skin.
Other skin conditions. Small studies have looked at PLE in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema), but evidence is limited.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Polypodium leucotomosfor safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Polypodium leucotomos work (mechanism of action)?

PLE comes from the dried fronds of the tropical fern Polypodium leucotomos (also known as Phlebodium aureum). It is rich in polyphenols, which are natural plant chemicals including caffeic acid and ferulic acid. These polyphenols are thought to be responsible for most of the supplement’s effects.

PLE is thought to work in many ways. It may neutralize harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that are produced when the skin is exposed to UV light. It may also help the body repair DNA damage caused by UV rays. In addition, PLE appears to reduce inflammation by blocking a substance called COX-2 and by increasing anti-inflammatory signals in the body. Together, these actions may help reduce sunburn, skin aging, and sun-triggered skin flares.

For some uses, such as melasma, study results have been mixed and the benefits of PLE are not well defined.

Herbal products such as PLE naturally contain many different chemicals, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid. The amounts of each chemical in a specific PLE product may vary. Different amounts of these chemicals may change the effects of PLE on the body. Some PLE dietary supplements are made to contain a certain amount of these substances.

How should I store Polypodium leucotomos?

You should store Polypodium leucotomos according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Polypodium leucotomos?

The most common side effects of Polypodium leucotomos are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Upset stomach or indigestion
Itching

There may be other side effects of Polypodium leucotomos that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Polypodium leucotomos?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Polypodium leucotomos are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions.Polypodium leucotomos may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Polypodium leucotomos and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching or skin rash
Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Polypodium leucotomos?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Polypodium leucotomos.

Polypodium leucotomos extract
Polypodium leucotomos (Phlebodium aureum), also known as calaguala or samambaia
Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Polypodium leucotomos products they stock.

What should I know about Polypodium leucotomos before using it?

Polypodium leucotomos is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Polypodium leucotomos out of the reach of children.

PLE is not a substitute for sunscreen. You should still use sunscreen and take other sun-protection measures when using PLE.

Herbal products, such as Polypodium leucotomos extract, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific PLE product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested Polypodium leucotomos products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Polypodium leucotomos?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Polypodium leucotomos is right for you.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Polypodium leucotomos extract could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Polypodium leucotomos extract passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Polypodium leucotomos interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Polypodium leucotomos extract and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Polypodium leucotomos extract, but drinking alcohol while taking this supplement may increase your risk of skin irritation or other side effects.

Does Polypodium leucotomos interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking PLE.

Medicines That Suppress the Immune System (Immunosuppressants). PLE has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Taking it with medicines that affect the immune system may change how well these medicines work. Examples include cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall), and tacrolimus (Prograf), which are used for autoimmune diseases or to prevent organ rejection.

Medicines Used During Phototherapy (Light Treatments). Some studies have looked at using PLE alongside UV light therapy (phototherapy) for conditions such as psoriasis or vitiligo. Talk to your health care provider if you are having phototherapy treatments, as combining PLE with these treatments may change your results.

The interactions between Polypodium leucotomos and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Polypodium leucotomos is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Polypodium leucotomos with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Polypodium leucotomos?

If you or someone else has used too much Polypodium leucotomos, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

PLE supplements are available over the counter, typically in a capsule form. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use Polypodium leucotomos extract safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

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Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: “Polypodium Leucotomos: an overview of basic investigative findings,” “Role of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in dermatologic diseases: a review of the literature,” “Polypodium leucotomos extract: a status report on clinical efficacy and safety.”

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology: “Polypodium leucotomos: a potential new photoprotective agent.”

International Journal of Dermatology: “Sun protection in a pill: the photoprotective properties of Polypodium leucotomos extract.”

Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences: “Mechanistic insights in the use of a Polypodium leucotomos extract as an oral and topical photoprotective agent,” “The role of the aqueous extract Polypodium leucotomos in photoprotection.”

Archives of Dermatological Research: “Effectiveness of an oral supplement containing Polypodium leucotomos in enhancing sun protection: a clinical evaluation of minimal erythema dose pre- and post-consumption,” “Current knowledge in Polypodium leucotomos effect on skin protection.”

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: “The impact of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract on ultraviolet B response: a human clinical study.”

Experimental Dermatology: “Nutraceutical strategies for alleviation of UVB phototoxicity.”

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine: “The potential role of antioxidants in mitigating skin hyperpigmentation resulting from ultraviolet and visible light-induced oxidative stress,” “The combination of oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized Polypodium leucotomos extract is beneficial against actinic keratosis,” “Sunscreens: updates on sunscreen filters and formulations.”

Pediatric Dermatology: “Attenuation of actinic prurigo eruptions with Polypodium leucotomos supplementation.”

WRITER

Michelle Vermeulen, PharmD, is the director of drug content at WebMD. She provides editorial leadership for health care professional (HCP) and consumer drug content for the WebMD Health Network. She oversees a team of pharmacists, medical writers, and expert reviewers across the U.S. and globally.Dr. Vermeulen has extensive experience in drug information and clinical content creation for electronic and mobile delivery with significant expertise in drug interactions. She has written for multiple comprehensive drug references, providing clinical decision support for the past 2 decades.Dr.

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MEDICAL REVIEWER

Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS, has over 15 years of experience in ambulatory care clinical pharmacy practice, including pharmacy management and serving as PGY-1 residency program director. She also has over 7 years of experience creating and editing the publication of high-quality drug information and educational resources for health care professionals and patients. Johnston completed her undergraduate degree in pharmacy at the University of South Carolina and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.