Phlebodium Aureum: Overview of Potential Health Benefits and Concerns

1. Conditions Studied

Phlebodium Aureum, also known as 'golden polypody', is a fern that has been studied for various health conditions. It has been explored for its potential effects on skin ailments, such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as for its immune-modulating properties. Researchers have also looked into its possible benefits for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and as an adjunct therapy for enhancing cognitive function and reducing anxiety.

2. Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The efficacy of Phlebodium Aureum in treating the above conditions varies. Some studies suggest that extracts from this fern may offer relief for skin conditions and exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in treating psoriasis and eczema. However, more clinical research is necessary to firmly establish its effectiveness and optimal dosing for these conditions.

3. Health Benefits

Phlebodium Aureum is believed to have several health benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: It may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting inflammatory conditions.
• Antioxidant properties: The plant contains compounds that may protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Immune support: Some evidence suggests it can modulate immune system responses.
• Cognitive and mood enhancement: Preliminary studies indicate it might have nootropic effects, improving mental function and reducing anxiety.
• Skin protection: It has been used to protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation and improve the symptoms of certain skin disorders.

4. Downsides

Although Phlebodium Aureum is generally considered safe, some potential downsides include:

• Allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ferns or other compounds in the plant.
• Possibility of stomach upset or other gastrointestinal issues with overuse.
• Insufficient data on its long-term safety profile and interactions with medications.

5. Genetic Variations and Their Impact

There is limited research on the interaction between Phlebodium Aureum and specific genetic variations. As such, it is not clear whether the plant is particularly beneficial or harmful for individuals with certain genetic predispositions. Personalized medicine is still an emerging field, and more studies are required to understand how genetic variations might influence the effects of herbal supplements like Phlebodium Aureum.

Phlebodium Aureum (Polypodium leucotomos) in Dermatological Applications

Phlebodium Aureum, also known as Polypodium leucotomos, is a fern with traditional medicinal uses, finding increasing popularity in dermatological applications. It is used both orally and topically for its skin care benefits, including photoprotection, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

Immunomodulatory Effects

Anapsos, derived from Polypodium leucotomos, is confirmed to stimulate growth and activation of T cells and natural killer cells, reducing the expression of adhesion molecules on immune cells, thus modulating the immune system.

Psoriasis Treatment Potential

A hydrophilic extract of Polypodium leucotomos has been investigated for its therapeutic properties in managing psoriasis, with clinical trials suggesting efficacy in reducing symptoms.

Anti-tumor and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Calagualine, a compound from Polypodium leucotomos, inhibits tumor metastasis, proliferation, and inflammation by blocking the activation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB.

Antioxidant Properties and Bioavailability

Polypodium leucotomos extract, Fernblock, has been shown to have strong antioxidative capacity, with compounds like ferulic and caffeic acids being potent antioxidants. These components are well-absorbed and contribute to the health benefits of the extract.

Cognitive Function and Cerebral Blood Flow

Anapsos, at a dose of 360 mg/day, has been found to enhance cognitive function and increase cerebral blood perfusion in patients with mild to moderate senile dementia.

Modulating Immune Response Post-Trauma

Anapsos can modulate the immune response following trauma, inhibiting the activation of the Th2 pathway and maintaining a balanced Th1/Th2 response.

Immunomodulator in Parasitic Infections

Anapsos modulates the immune response to excretory/secretory antigens from the parasite Fasciola hepatica in mice and rat alveolar macrophages, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulator.

Preventing Respiratory Tract Infections in Athletes

Polypodium leucotomos Extract significantly reduced the incidence and recurrence of respiratory tract infections in high-performance athletes.

Systemic Photoprotection

Treatment with Polypodium leucotomos extract improved antioxidant capacity and enhanced DNA repair in mice exposed to UV radiation, suggesting it can act as a systemic photoprotective agent.

Photoprotective Effects Against UV-Induced Skin Damage

When administered to mice predisposed to skin cancer and exposed to UV radiation, Polypodium leucotomos extract decreased photocarcinogenesis markers and enhanced DNA repair.

Extracellular Matrix Protection

Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibited matrix metalloproteinases and stimulated the production of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and fibrillar collagens, beneficial for skin health in aging prevention and cancer treatment.

Photoprotection in Idiopathic Photodermatoses

Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract has been found effective and safe for photoprotection in patients with idiopathic photodermatoses, reducing skin reactions to sunlight.

Vitiligo Treatment

Combining narrow-band UVB therapy with oral Polypodium leucotomos extract showed a trend towards improved repigmentation of vitiligo vulgaris, particularly in the head and neck area.

Protective Effects Against UVR-Induced Damage

Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract reduced skin redness and markers of damage in human volunteers exposed to UVR, indicating its effectiveness in protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Conclusion

Polypodium leucotomos, with its diverse range of beneficial properties, is a promising botanical agent for various dermatological conditions, offering photoprotection, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects.

References:

1. Less-known botanical cosmeceuticals
2. Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos) modulates lymphoid cells and the expression of adhesion molecules
3. A new agent (hydrophilic fraction of polypodium leucotomos) for management of psoriasis
4. Calagualine inhibits nuclear transcription factors-kappaB activated by various inflammatory and tumor promoting agents
5. Polypodium leucotomos extract: antioxidant activity and disposition
6. Phenolic components and antioxidant activity of Fernblock, an aqueous extract of the aerial parts of the fern Polypodium leucotomos
7. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study with anapsos in senile dementia: effects on cognition, brain bioelectrical activity and cerebral hemodynamics
8. Pharmacological immunomodulation of surgical trauma
9. Immunomodulation of the response to excretory/secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica by Anapsos in Balb/C mice and rat alveolar macrophages
10. Polypodium leucotomos Extract use to prevent and reduce the risk of infectious diseases in high performance athletes
11. Polypodium leucotomos decreases UV-induced epidermal cell proliferation and enhances p53 expression and plasma antioxidant capacity in hairless mice
12. Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases UV-induced Cox-2 expression and inflammation, enhances DNA repair, and decreases mutagenesis in hairless mice
13. Wild-type p53: tumors can't stand it
14. p53 is a suppressor of inflammatory response in mice
15. p53-mediated protective responses to UV irradiation
16. Beneficial regulation of matrixmetalloproteinases and their inhibitors, fibrillar collagens and transforming growth factor-beta by Polypodium leucotomos, directly or in dermal fibroblasts, ultraviolet radiated fibroblasts, and melanoma cells
17. Inhibition of ultraviolet-induced formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, erythema and skin photosensitization by polypodium leucotomos
18. A review of DNA repair and possible DNA-repair adjuvants and selected natural anti-oxidants
19. Review: molecular pathology of cyclooxygenase-2 in cancer-induced angiogenesis
20. Polypodium leucotomos inhibits ultraviolet B radiation-induced immunosuppression
21. A Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits solar-simulated radiation-induced TNF-alpha and iNOS expression, transcriptional activation and apoptosis
22. Polypodium leucotomos extract in atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial
23. Interventions for vitiligo
24. Treatment of vitiligo vulgaris with narrow-band UVB and oral Polypodium leucotomos extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
25. Oral administration of a hydrophilic extract of Polypodium leucotomos for the prevention of polymorphic light eruption
26. Photoprotective activity of oral polypodium leucotomos extract in 25 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses
27. Oral polypodium leucotomos extract photoprotective activity in 57 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses
28. Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin
29. Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits glutathione oxidation and prevents Langerhans cell depletion induced by UVB/UVA radiation in a hairless rat model
30. Topical or oral administration with an extract of Polypodium leucotomos prevents acute sunburn and psoralen-induced phototoxic reactions as well as depletion of Langerhans cells in human skin
31. Singlet oxygen mediates the UVA-induced generation of the photoaging-associated mitochondrial common deletion
32. Decrease of ultraviolet A light-induced "common deletion" in healthy volunteers after oral Polypodium leucotomos extract supplement in a randomized clinical trial
33. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a case report of Polypodium leucotomos as an adjuvant therapy

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