title: Polypodium Leucotomos--An Overview of Basic Investigative Findings.
abstract: The use of Polypodium leucotomos, a species of fern, has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and psoriasis, and for prevention of polymorphic light eruption, sunburn, and squamous cell carcinoma. We review the in vivo animal, in vitro human, and human clinical studies performed to help elucidate the actions of and biologic pathways affected by P. leucotomos. These results serve as the scientific rationale and basis for the protection and effectiveness afforded by P. leucotomos in cutaneous diseases.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Berman
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elmets
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D032494:Polypodium; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D013471:Sunburn / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts