Photoprotective activity of oral polypodium leucotomos extract in 25 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses.
BACKGROUND
The incidences of idiopathic photodermatoses (IP) are increasing and the available therapeutic methods are often inadequate.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether, in subjects affected by IP not responding to the usual available therapies, the oral administration of an extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PL) could provide an effective photoprotective activity.


METHODS
26 patients with polymorphic light eruption and two with solar urticaria were recruited to enter the study. The protocol excluded the use of ultraviolet protection filters or other drugs that could in some way interfere with exposure to light. All patients exposed themselves to sunlight while consuming 480 mg/day of PL orally. The response of the skin to sunlight exposure of 25 evaluable patients was compared with that occurring previously without administration of PL.


RESULTS
With PL, we observed a relevant and statistically significant reduction of skin reaction and subjective symptoms. The tolerance of the drug has been excellent.


CONCLUSIONS
PL extract administration has shown to be an effective and safe method, leading to a significant protection of skin in IP.
Caccialanza
M
M
Department of Photoradiotherapy, Institute of Dermatological Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy. fotoradio@policlinico.mit.it
Percivalle
S
S
Piccinno
R
R
Brambilla
R
R
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D032494:Polypodium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010936:Plant Extracts