Food supplement Polypodium leucotomos: smooth & radiant skin

Polypodium leucotomos restricts UV’s harmful effects

Polypodium leucotomos’ effects in preventing skin damage are also due to its photoprotective properties – the power to protect the skin from the negative effects of the sun’s rays. This ability may have been acquired in the course of the plant’s evolutionary aquatic-to-terrestrial transition (4)

The fern’s components may act by inhibiting the photoisomerisation and photodecomposition of trans-urocanic acid ordinarily caused by UV exposure. Polypodium leucotomos extract may ultimately result in the strong>inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death) caused by the sun’s rays. (5) (6)

An American study from 2015 showed that taking an extract of this plant (in the form of a 240mg supplement, twice a day for 60 days) was an effective way of reducing UV-induced damage. It also confirmed the absence of any contraindications. (7)

Taking a Polypodium leucotomos extract is also beneficial in the treatment of idiopathic photodermatitis: it alleviates polymorphic light eruptions, actinic prurigo and solar urticaria. (8)

It fights skin ageing and protects DNA

Polypodium leucotomos also plays an important role in preventing photoageing. It works, in particular, by strengthening the fibroblasts in skin tissues and supporting keratinocyte proliferation, which delays the appearance of wrinkles and prolongs the skin’s suppleness. (9)

As we know, the sun can cause serious damage by adversely affecting the DNA strands in our cells. Over time, these changes can go on to cause cancer. A course of Polypodium leucotomos can help reduce this risk by protecting the genetic composition of skin cells.

A plant rich in p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids ...

Naturally rich in antioxidants, this plant extract provides an excellent way of fighting the oxidative stress that attacks the body. The compounds it contains include:

• p-coumaric acid
• l'caffeic acid
• l'vanillic acid
• and ferulic acid. (10)

The perfect composition for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS)

These various acids help eliminate free radicals naturally (as well as other reactive oxygen by-products such as superoxide anion), all of them unstable molecules which ‘clutter up’ the body, damage cells and proteins, and are a cause of cancer and degenerative diseases. (11) (12)

Blocking auto-immune responses harmful to the skin

Scientists have also demonstrated the immunomodulatory properties of this medicinal plant, particularly its effect on vitiligo. The de-pigmentation in vitiligo is the result of an over-reaction by the immune system which eventually destroys melanocytes – the cells responsible for skin colour.

A common approach to treating vitiligo is to expose the body to UVB rays in order to stimulate re-pigmentation of the areas affected. A Dutch study observed greater re-pigmentation of patients’ skin when this kind of UVB phototherapy was combined with an oral dose of Polypodium leucotomos. It seems the plant has an immunomodulatory effect which may block excessive auto-immune responses in patients. (13)

Boosting Langerhans cells

Conversely, the components of this tropical fern are also able to stimulate the immune defences. Let’s take the example of Langerhans cells, responsible for repairing sun-induced damage to the skin barrier.

As these cells gradually become degraded by UV rays, they themselves become less effective. Polypodium leucotomos has been shown to protect Langerhans cells and thus boost the skin’s immunological defences. (14)

Polypodium leucotomos Extract is formulated exclusively with natural ingredients, specifically chosen for their positive effects on the skin.

Polypodium leucotomos

The supplement’s principal ingredient, Polypodium leucotomos flourishes in the forests of South and Central America, one of many treasures that grow deep within such environments. The value of this fern has long been recognised by these regions’ indigenous healers.

It was introduced to Europe at the end of the 18th century by a botanist commissioned by the Spanish court, and it continues to surprise with its wide range of curative properties:relief of inflammation, regeneration, re-pigmentation, UV protection, etc.

More specifically, Polypodium leucotomos Extract contains an extract of the leaf of this medicinal plant, and thus purely its active ingredient providing guaranteed maximum efficacy.

Acacia gum and rice flour

Acacia gum is a resin obtained from the Acacia senegal tree, which grows in the dry regions of tropical Africa. This sap exudate is high in fibre, carbohydrates and proteins. The supplement’s composition is completed with rice flour which helps give it shape and stability.