Heliocare (polypodium leucotomos extract) / Ferndale - LARVOL DELTA

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTINIC PRURIGO OVER A 15-YEAR SPAN IN A MEXICAN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL CENTER (AAD 2026) - "Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are recommended for mild cases, while thalidomide remains the most effective therapy for refractory cases. Additional systemic therapies include oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, phototherapy, biologics, antimalarials and Polypodium leucotomos extract...Mucosal involvement (lip or ocular) occurs in about one-third. Diagnosis is often delayed and biopsy confirmation is rarely required."

Clinical • Hematological Disorders • Infectious Disease • Ocular Infections • HLA-DRB1

Evaluation of Oral combination of Aspalathus linearis extracts and Polypodium leucotomos extract in preserving Vitamin D Receptor expression and preventing UVA-Induced Skin damage. (AAD 2026) - "To date, the impact of oxidative stress on reducing VDR-levels has been demonstrated ex-vivo, while this study would demonstrate its relationship in-vivo. The new combination may represent an innovative complement to topical sunscreens by preserving the VDR and improving systemic photoprotection. This study provides new insights into the systemic photoprotective potential of the combination of AL-PLE."

VDR

Adjunctive Use of Polypodium Leucotomos Gummies in Polymorphous Light Eruption and Other Photodermatoses (AAD 2026) - "Background: Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) has antioxidant and photoprotective properties and has been used as an adjunct therapy for photosensitive dermatoses... PLE gummies are a safe, well tolerated, and potentially effective adjunct treatment for PMLE and other photodermatoses. Controlled studies are needed to assess efficacy."

Dermatology • Genetic Disorders • Metabolic Disorders

Evaluation of a Topical Formulation combining Aspalathus linearis and Polypodium leucotomos extracts in the prevention of skin hyperpigmentation and molecular alterations induced by visible light. (AAD 2026) - "This study will elucidate the protective effects of the new formulation against VL-induced clinical pigmentation and molecular alterations. By examining both endpoints, this approach may broaden photoprotection strategies beyond UV, particularly addressing specific needs of individuals with darker skin phototypes."

MMP1

Evaluating the Safety of a Novel Polypodium Leucotomos Gummy Supplement in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis (AAD 2026) - "Polypodium Leucotomos extract (PLE) has emerged as a potential adjunct therapy for atopic dermatitis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties...Our study aligns with previous studies of PLE use in adults indicating its safety, tolerability, and efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for atopic dermatitis. Future studies should aim to establish optimal dosing regimens and identify age thresholds for the safe and effective use of Polypodium leucotomos supplementation in children with atopic dermatitis."

Clinical • Atopic Dermatitis • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Immunology • Pediatrics

Changes in ultraviolet a radiation-induced thymidine dimers and erythema after oral nicotinamide or polypodium leucotomos extract in healthy volunteers: a randomized intraindividual trial. (PubMed, Photochem Photobiol Sci) - "UVA-induced erythema was significantly reduced by PL and NAM, but neither had measurable effects on TT-dimer induction. Further research should investigate the relation between these findings and the chemopreventive effect of NAM and PL on skin cancer."

Journal • Dermatology • Genetic Disorders • Oncology • Skin Cancer

In vitro Effect of a Combination of Aspalathus linearis and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts in Preventing Cellular Damage and Hyperpigmentation Induced by Blue Light (AAD 2026) - "There is a growing interest in understanding blue light-triggered skin damage and hyperpigmentation, which prevention is of key importance in special populations (dark skin phototypes, individuals with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Thus, this research increases the understanding of the intracellular mechanisms mediating the preventive action of a natural antioxidant compound, opening doors to its use in photoprotective strategies to address important dermatological concerns"

Preclinical • Dermatopathology • LAMP1 • TRPV1

Adjunctive use of Polypodium leucotomos extract in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria: An exploratory study. (PubMed, Photochem Photobiol) - "Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) cause severe photosensitivity, resulting in significant quality of life (QoL) impairment. Adjunctive PLE improved short-term QoL in participants with incomplete symptom control on afamelanotide alone and was well tolerated. Larger studies are warranted."

Journal • Genetic Disorders • Metabolic Disorders

Photoprotection for Skin Cancer: What's New. (PubMed, Cancers (Basel)) - "Antioxidants such as Polypodium leucotomos extract, topical and oral, exhibit preventive effects on actinic damage and carcinogenesis... Photoprotection extends far beyond UV filters, encompassing biological ingredients, antioxidants, oral supplements, and broad-spectrum strategies that target the full exposome. Comprehensive, behaviour-based photoprotection programmes are essential for high-risk groups."

Journal • Review • Actinic Keratosis • Basal Cell Carcinoma • Dermatology • Genetic Disorders • Non-melanoma Skin Cancer • Oral Cancer • Skin Cancer • Solid Tumor • Squamous Cell Carcinoma • Squamous Cell Skin Cancer • Transplantation

A 50+ Sunscreen Containing Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, Ellagic Acid, and Niacinamide in Facial Melasma and Photoaging-Related Hyperpigmentation: A Pilot Observational Study Using Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography. (PubMed, J Cosmet Dermatol) - "This pilot proof-of-concept study suggests that an SPF 50+ sunscreen containing ellagic acid, niacinamide, and PLE may reduce melasma severity and improve hyperpigmentation with excellent tolerability. These findings warrant confirmation in larger controlled trials."

Journal • Observational data • Dermatology • Dermatopathology

Diosmin-hesperidin-induced DRESS syndrome: immune reactivation by herpesvirus (PubMed, Rev Alerg Mex) - "This case underscores the need to consider severe hypersensitivity reactions, even with commonly used and apparently low-risk drugs. The importance of a comprehensive approach, including identification of the suspected medication, exclusion of differential diagnoses, prolonged clinical follow-up, and surveillance for possible viral reactivation, is emphasized."

Journal • Cardiovascular • Dermatology • Eosinophilia • Herpes Simplex • Immunology • Urticaria

Role of Antioxidants in Melasma: A Systematic Review. (PubMed, Indian J Dermatol) - "Cysteamine, a naturally occurring aminothiol, showed efficacy comparable to hydroquinone with fewer side effects...Other antioxidants, including combinations of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid, showed potential as adjuncts in melasma treatment. These findings highlight the diverse efficacy of antioxidants in managing melasma, suggesting their potential as safe and effective treatments."

Journal • Review • Dermatology • Dermatopathology

Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation Containing Red Orange and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts on UVB-Induced Skin Responses: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. (PubMed, Nutrients) - " These findings suggest that supplementation with PLE, ROE, and vitamins A, C, D, and E provides systemic photoprotection by enhancing UV tolerance and reducing erythema without affecting tanning response. This study supports oral supplementation as an adjunct to topical photoprotection, with prolonged use potentially yielding cumulative benefits."

Clinical • Journal • Dermatology

The Utility of Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Extract for Dermatologic Diseases: A Systematic Review. (PubMed, J Drugs Dermatol) - "PLE exhibits strong therapeutic potential with an encouraging safety profile. It has photoprotective and immunomodulatory properties, underscoring its potential as an adjuvant therapy for multiple dermatological conditions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(4):346-351. doi:10.36849/JDD.8410R1."

Journal • Actinic Keratosis • Atopic Dermatitis • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Dermatopathology • Genetic Disorders • Immunology • Oncology • Psoriasis • Skin Cancer • Vitiligo

Systematic Review on Dietary Supplements in the Prevention and/or Treatment of Actinic Keratosis and Field Cancerization. (PubMed, Actas Dermosifiliogr) - "The review confirms the efficacy of polyphenols in preventing and treating AKs and related skin conditions. However, the role of vitamins and other supplements requires further investigation due to inconsistent and/or scarce findings. Future clinical trials should focus on diverse populations at higher risk of skin cancer and explore new ingredients as well as combinations of various ingredients to optimize therapeutic applications."

Journal • Review • Actinic Keratosis • Dermatology • Genetic Disorders • Oncology • Skin Cancer • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Effectiveness of an oral supplement containing Polypodium leucotomos in enhancing sun protection: a clinical evaluation of minimal erythema dose pre- and post-consumption. (PubMed, Arch Dermatol Res) - "Oral supplements containing Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) have gained attention as convenient adjuncts that may bolster the skin's defenses against UV-induced damage...Short-term oral supplementation with Sol Defense Gummies containing PLE was associated with measurable improvements in photoprotection as evidenced by increases in MED and reductions in erythema. These findings support the potential of this novel PLE delivery method as a convenient adjunct to conventional photoprotection strategies."

Journal • Dermatology • Genetic Disorders • Oncology • Skin Cancer

Exploring the In Vitro Photoprotective Effect of a Combination of Aspalathus linearis Natural Extracts: First Steps in Developing New Technologies for Photoprotection Strategies. (PubMed, Int J Mol Sci) - "Finally, an additional photoprotective effect was observed when Aspalathus linearis extracts were combined with a Polypodium leucotomos extract (Fernblock®), a well-known botanical ingredient with demonstrated photoprotection activities. Thus, this work provides a solid scientific basis for the inclusion of this technology in future topical and systemic photoprotective strategies."

Journal • Preclinical

U036 - Welcome to the Jungle: Plant Dermatoses and Plant Extracts in Dermatology (AAD 2025) - "This session will also review emerging use of plant extracts in dermatology including arnica, bromeliad, polypodium leucotomos extract, and more!...Identify dermatoses caused by exposure to various wild, garden, and house plant species and recognize representative plant species. Discuss therapeutic applications of plant extracts in dermatology."

Contact Dermatitis • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Immunology • Urticaria

Systematic review on dietary supplements in the prevention and/or treatment of actinic keratosis and field cancerization. (PubMed, Actas Dermosifiliogr) - "The review confirms the efficacy of polyphenols in preventing and treating AKs and related skin conditions. However, the role of vitamins and other supplements requires further investigation due to inconsistent and/or scarce findings. Future clinical trials should focus on diverse populations at higher risk of skin cancer and explore new ingredients as well as combinations of various ingredients to optimize therapeutic applications."

Journal • Review • Actinic Keratosis • Dermatology • Genetic Disorders • Oncology • Skin Cancer • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Concurrent management of vitiligo and acquired disorders of hyperpigmentation: a comprehensive literature review and current practice gaps. (PubMed, Int J Dermatol) - "In addition, the use of oral tranexamic acid to treat melasma does not diminish the response to NBUVB phototherapy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and oral Polypodium leucotomos extract may also be beneficial for comanaging vitiligo and AHD. However, practice guidelines are needed to optimize care for this patient population."

Journal • Review • Dermatology • Dermatopathology • Immunology • Lichen Planus • Vitiligo

Oral Supplements and Photoprotection: A Systematic Review. (PubMed, J Med Food) - "Supplement keywords included "dietary supplements," "vitamins," "minerals," "carotenoids," "lutein," "isoflavones," "polyphenols," "Polypodium leucotomos," "heliocare," "herbal medicine," "probiotics," "prebiotics," "astaxanthin," "rosmarinic acid," "botanical," and "herb," and outcome keywords included "photoprotection," "ultraviolet rays," UVA," "UVB," and "blue light." A total of 47 studies were included in the systematic review...Supplementation with photoprotective active ingredients may be especially favorable for individuals with predisposed ultraviolet sensitivity, such as those with polymorphic light eruption. Future research is necessary to determine optimal dosing and supplementation duration for intended photoprotective outcomes."

Journal • Review • Dermatology

The effect of Fernblock® in preventing blue-light-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells is associated with NRF2 induction. (PubMed, Photochem Photobiol Sci) - "In this context, we explored the potential protective properties of the vegetal extract from Polypodium leucotomos, Fernblock® (FB), using the widely known treatment with lutein as a reference for comparison...Notably, the nuclear translocation of NRF2 induced by blue light was similar to that observed in cells pre-treated with FB, while lutein pre-treatment resulted in nuclear NRF2 levels similar to control cells, suggesting key differences in the mechanism of cellular protection exerted by these compounds. These results may represent the foundation ground for the use of FB as a new ingredient in the development of alternative prophylactic strategies for blue-light-associated diseases, a currently rising medical interest."

Journal • Inflammation • CDKN1A • TNFA

Improvement in light tolerance with oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in a patient with nonsegmental vitiligo treated with narrow-band UV-B phototherapy. (PubMed, JAAD Case Rep) - No abstract available

Journal • Dermatology • Immunology • Vitiligo

U003 - Welcome to the Jungle: Plant Dermatoses and Plant Extracts in Dermatology (AAD 2024) - "This session will also review emerging use of plant extracts in dermatology including arnica, bromeliad, and polypodium leucotomos extract...Identify dermatoses caused by exposure to various wild, garden, and house plant species and recognize representative plant species. Discuss therapeutic applications of plant extracts in dermatology."

Contact Dermatitis • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Immunology • Urticaria

Protective effect of an extract of Polypodium leucotomos against oxidative stress and melanogenesis induced by ultraviolet A radiation and air pollutants (EADV 2023) - "We have concluded that air pollutants, alone and combined with UVR, are capable to produce oxidative stress and melanogenesis in different skin cell typeskeratinocytes and melanocytes. We also have demonstrated that a cell pre-treatment with an extract of Polypodium leucotomos prevents detrimental effects induced by PM2,5 and the combination of BaP and UVA radiation."

Oxidative stress