We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Ple4.5
Polypodium Leucotomos Research
Mostly mechanism / observational
19 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
Most Polypodium Leucotomos studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2006–2026 with a typical study size of 40 participants.
Based on 19 studies · 13 RCTs · 312 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidence
By outcome
Skin healthSupports photoprotection and photoaged-skin appearance · 12 weeks · Adds to sunscreen for photoprotection; accelerates melasma improvement · 4-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational12 studies
Safety profile
Too few graded studies1 study
Active research area
9 studies in the last 5 years
200620162026
1RCT2006
Reyes E, Jaén P, de las Heras E, Carrión F, Alvarez-Mon M, de Eusebio E · J Dermatol Sci (2006)
In plain English: This study supports oral supplementation as an adjunct to topical photoprotection, with prolonged use potentially yielding cumulative benefits.
Keršmanc P, Pogačnik T, Žmitek J, Hristov H, Točkova O, Žmitek K. · Nutrients (2025)
While these changes were not statistically significant after 2 weeks, they reached significance after 8 weeks of intervention.
By the end of the study, the IP group exhibited a significant 23.8% increase in MED (from 0.447 ± 0.096 to 0.553 ± 0.142 J/cm 2 ; p < 0.05) and a 46.2% reduction in erythema intensity (from 2.40 ± 0.94 to 1.29 ± 1.04 au; p < 0.0001).
In contrast, ΔMI in the IP group (from 0.67 ± 0.81 to 0.82 ± 0.96 au) were comparable to those observed in the placebo group, with no significant differences between groups.
In plain English: 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.
Rodríguez-Luna A, Zamarrón A, Longo C, Pellacani G, Peris K, Calzavara-Pinton P, de Galvez MV, Gilaberte Y, de Troya M, Juarranz Á, González S. · Actas dermo-sifiliograficas (2025)
Vitamin supplementation studies revealed mixed results, with clear data showing benefits in reducing the risk of precancerous lesions and skin cancers after nicotinamide (NAM) treatment, while others did not demonstrate significant protective effects.
Conclusions 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.
In plain English: Further research should investigate the relation between these findings and the chemopreventive effect of NAM and PL on skin cancer.
Faisal A, Lerche CM, Douki T, Philipsen PA, Pihl C, Gregersen T, Granborg JR, Bjerring P, Haedersdal M, Wiegell SR. · Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology (2026)
Results Both NAM and PL increased MED by 26%.
With a median MED of 27.7 J/cm² (13.4-51.1 J/cm²) pre-NAM and 34.8 J/cm² (13.4-62.5 J/cm²) post-NAM (p = 0.0008).
And A median MED of 27.7 J/cm² (13.4-51.1 J/cm²) pre-PL and 34.8 J/cm² (16.4-62.5 J/cm²) post-PL (p = 0.0002).
In plain English: Comprehensive, behaviour-based photoprotection programmes are essential for high-risk groups.
Gilaberte Y, Ederra-Galé A, García-Alfonso JJ, Gracia-Cazaña T. · Cancers (2026)
Results : Daily sunscreen use significantly reduces AK and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in high-risk individuals, although evidence for basal cell carcinoma and melanoma prevention remains heterogeneous.
Topical and especially oral nicotinamide demonstrate chemopreventive potential in immunocompetent patients.
Vulnerable populations-including transplant recipients, XP patients, individuals with albinism, and outdoor workers-require tailored photoprotection strategies with demonstrated benefit.
In plain English: The oral PLE aqueous extract product appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for melasma in combination with topical hydroquinone and sunscreen.
Goh CL et al. · J Clin Aesthet Dermatol (2018)
Oral PLE accelerated melasma improvement with hydroquinone + SPF50
Randomized placebo-controlled trial (n=40)
17Review2015
In plain English: This review concludes PLE is well tolerated at all doses administered and associated with a negligible risk of side effects.
Winkelmann RR et al. · J Drugs Dermatol (2015)
Photoprotective and antioxidant effects (Fernblock)
Used adjunctively for photodermatoses, melasma, vitiligo
Evidence mostly from small trials
18Review2014
In plain English: Orally administered Polypodium leucotomos also appears to provide adjunctive benefits in treating vitiligo, melasma, and may have the potential to help with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Nestor M et al. · J Clin Aesthet Dermatol (2014)
Adjunct for pigmentary disorders (melasma, vitiligo, PMLE)
Modest adjunctive evidence
19Systematic Review2025
In plain English: A systematic review of oral photoprotective supplements supported Polypodium leucotomos for modest photoprotection.