Polypodium Leucotomos Extract and Anapsos

by MedlinePlus

Extracts of fern species (family Polypodiaceae ) have been used traditionally for numerous indications, most commonly in South America and Europe.

The South American species Polypodium leucotomos L. is commonly known as "calaguala." Extracts of this species, called "anapsos," have been marketed and used as a treatment for multiple indications. Although laboratory and animal studies have reported anti-inflammatory, cytokine-suppressing, and leukotriene inhibitory properties, the small number of available human trials have not demonstrated efficacy for any specific indication.

Synonyms

Calagula, ferns, samambaia, Polypodiaceae, Polypodium cambricum, Polypodium decumanum, Polypodium vulgare, calagualine .

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Psoriasis

Extracts of Polypodium leucotomos (called "anapsos") have been taken by mouth in Europe and South America for psoriasis since the 1970s. Poor-quality human studies report that anapsos may improve skin appearance. However, there is currently little information supporting the use of Polypodium leucotomos for psoriasis. More research is needed in this area before a recommendation can be made.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Laboratory and animal studies report that Polypodium leucotomos extract (anapsos) may reduce inflammation. However, there is little information about the effectiveness of anapsos taken by mouth in people with atopic dermatitis.

Dementia (memory loss, disorientation), Alzheimer's disease

Limited scientific information is available about the effectiveness of polypodium in the treatment of dementia.

Skin damage caused by the sun

Early study shows that polypodium may help to prevent sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancers resulting from uncontrolled overexposure of human skin to solar UV radiation (UVA and UVB). Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antioxidant, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer , diuretic, fever, high blood pressure, immune system stimulation, high blood pressure, immunostimulant, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, pertussis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatism or joint diseases, sunburn protection, tissue repair after brain damage, upper respiratory tract infection, vaccination in animals forFasciola hepatica, vitiligo (loss of pigment in the skin), water retention, whooping cough.

Dosing

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. There is no widely accepted standardization for the preparation of Polypodium leucotomos extracts.

Adults (18 years and older)

Oral (taken by mouth): For psoriasis, a dose of 120 milligrams of anapsos ( Polypodium leucotomos extract), taken daily, has been used for short periods of time in limited research. For UV radiation 7.5mg/kg has been studied. For dementia, preliminary research reports using 360 milligrams daily for four weeks. Safety and effectiveness are not clear.

Topical (applied to the skin): No clear dosing regimen has been reported or established.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Little information is available about the use of polypodium in children, and safety is not clear.

Safety

Allergies

People with allergies to ferns (family Polypodiaceae ) should avoid polypodium .

Side Effects and Warnings

Isolated reports of itching or stomach upset are published. Studies of a different fern species, Polypodium vulgare , report sedation, changes in heart function in animals, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Avoid driving and use of heavy machinery when taking Polypodium leucotomos extract due to theoretical sedative effects. People with heart disease or those being treated for heart disorders or high blood pressure should use caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The use of polypodium during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended, because there is little information about its safety.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Polypodium may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Most testing has been done with a related fern species, Polypodium vulgare . Animal studies show that this related plant can affect the function of the heart and lower blood pressure. In theory, the use of Polypodium leucotomos extract with medications that affect heart function or lower blood pressure may cause the effects of these drugs to increase. Use caution if combining polypodium with heart medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

In theory, polypodium may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Examples of agents that may cause sedation include: calamus, calendula, California poppy, capsicum, catnip, celery, couch grass, dogwood, elecampane, German chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, kava (may help sleep without drowsiness), lavender aromatherapy, lemon balm, sage, sassafras, skullcap, shepherd's purse, Siberian ginseng, St. John's wort, stinging nettle, valerian, wild carrot, wild lettuce, withania root, and yerba mansa. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

In studies of a related fern species, Polypodium vulgare , animals treated with the herb developed low blood pressure and changes in heart function. In theory, the use of Polypodium leucotomos extract with herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure may cause the blood pressure to fall too low. Herbs with potential blood pressure-lowering effects include aconite/monkshood, arnica, baneberry, betel nut, bilberry, black cohosh, bryony, calendula, California poppy, coleus, curcumin, eucalyptol, evening primrose oil, eucalyptus oil, flaxseed, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, goldenseal, green hellebore, hawthorn, Indian tobacco, jaborandi, mistletoe, night blooming cereus, oleander, pasque flower, periwinkle, pleurisy root, shepherd's purse, Texas milkweed, turmeric, and wild cherry.

For the same reason, be cautious if using Polypodium leucotomos extract with herbs or supplements that have possible cardiac glycoside ingredients, which can affect the function of the heart. Such agents include Adonis, balloon cotton, black hellebore root/melampode, black Indian hemp, bushman's poison, Cactus grandifloris , convallaria, eyebright, figwort, foxglove/digitalis, frangipani, hedge mustard, hemp root/Canadian hemp root, king's crown, lily-of-the-valley, motherwort, oleander leaf, pheasant's eye plant, plantain leaf, pleurisy root, psyllium husks, redheaded cotton-bush, rhubarb root, rubber vine, sea-mango, senna fruit, squill, strophanthus, uzara, wallflower, white horehound, wintersweet, yellow dock root, and yellow oleander. Notably, bufalin/Chan Suis is a Chinese herbal formula that has been reported as toxic or fatal when taken with cardiac glycosides.

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