Clinical Evidence

Photoprotective Effects

Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) has shown significant photoprotective effects. A study demonstrated that both PLE and nicotinamide increased minimal erythema dose (MED) by 26%, indicating enhanced skin protection against UVA radiation. However, neither treatment significantly reduced UVA-induced thymidine dimers, suggesting further research is needed on their chemopreventive effects on skin cancer. Changes in ultraviolet a radiation-induced thymidine dimers and erythema after oral nicotinamide or polypodium leucotomos extract in healthy volunteers: a randomized intraindividual trial.

In patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), PLE was evaluated as an adjunctive therapy. The study found significant improvements in quality of life after 60 days of treatment, with no adverse events reported. This suggests that PLE may be beneficial for patients with severe photosensitivity. Adjunctive use of Polypodium leucotomos extract in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria: An exploratory study.

A retrospective study assessed the safety of a gummy-based PLE supplement in pediatric patients, finding no adverse effects over a median usage of 4 months. This supports the safety of PLE in children, indicating its potential for broader use. Polypodium leucotomos Gummy Supplementation in the Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Series Demonstrating Safety.