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Samambaia contains flavonoids, alkaloids and lipids. It is a rich source of lipids and fatty acids and its therapeutic activity for psoriasis and other skin conditions is attributed to these groups of chemicals.* Within its lipids are a group of chemicals called sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerols, (including one named calaguline) which have been documented and patented as part of the plant's "active" chemicals.* Two closely related species of these rainforest ferns (Polypodium decumanum and Polypodium leucotomos) share these same active chemicals. This rainforest fern is sold in Europe as an herbal drug for psoriasis and Alzheimer's named "Anapsos."* For more information samambaia (Polypodium sp), please refer to the Database File for Samambaia in the Tropical Plant Database. To see pictures of samambaia, click here.

Traditional Uses:* for psoriasis and other skin conditions; for Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and memory problems; for coughs, bronchitis, chest colds, and other upper respiratory problems; for autoimmune disorders; as a general tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions); a cellular-protector, and anti-aging aid
Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as an infusion (tea): Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb in cup and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain tea (or allow settled powder to remain in the bottom of cup) and drink warm. It is traditionally taken in 1 cup amounts twice daily. For more complete instructions on preparing herbal infusions, see the Methods for Preparing Herbal Remedies Page.

Contraindications: Reports indicate that samambaia may enhance the effects of the heart drug digitalis (a medication commonly used to increase the force of heart contractions in those diagnosed with certain heart conditions). It is therefore contraindicated in combination with digitalis, and persons with any heart condition should seek the advice of a qualified health practitioner prior to using samambaia.

Drug Interactions: May potentiate the effects of digitalis and/or other digitalis-type prescription heart drugs.

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Published Research on Samambaia/Calaguala

All available third-party research on samambaia can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the published research on samambaia/calagula updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:

Reviews:
Kallis, P., et al. "A biologically based approach to acne and rosacea." J. Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Jun; 17(6): 611-617.
Ogbechie-Godec, O., et al. "Melasma: an up-to-date comprehensive review." Dermatol. Ther. 2017 Sep; 7(3): 305-318.
Berman, B., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos--An overview of basic investigative findings." J. Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Feb; 15(2): 224-8. Review.
Grimes, P., et al. "The role of diet and supplements in vitiligo management. Dermatol. Clin. 2017 Apr; 35(2): 235-243.
Zhou, L., et al. "Melasma: systematic review of the systemic treatments." Int. J. Dermatol. 2017 Sep; 56(9): 902-908.
Del Rosso, J. "Use of Polypodium leucotomas extract in clinical practice: a primer for the clinician." J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol. 2016 May; 9(5): 37-42.
Parrado, C., et al. "Fernblock (Polypodium leucotomos extract): Molecular mechanisms and pleiotropic effects in light-related skin conditions, photoaging and skin cancers, a review." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016 Jun 29;17(7).
Berman, B., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos--An overview of basic investigative findings." J. Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Feb; 15(2): 224-8. Review.
Cohen, B., et al. "Alternative systemic treatments for vitiligo: a review." Am. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2015 Dec; 16(6): 463-74.
Choudhry, S., et al. "Role of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in dermatologic diseases: a review of the literature. J. Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Feb; 13(2): 148-53.

Anti-psoriasis Actions:
Das, J., et al. "Samambaia - The future focus for Indian researchers in the treatment of psoriasis." Thai J. Pharm. Sci. 2007; 31: 45-51.
Vasange, M., "Sulpholipid composition and methods for treating skin disorders ." 2000 US Patent. US6124266A.
Kumar, S., et al. "Medicinal plants from Nepal: evaluation as inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Jul; 70(3): 191-195.
Navarro-Blasco, F., et al. "Modification of the inflammatory activity of psoriatic arthritis in patients treated with extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos)." Br. J. Rheumatol. 1998; 37(8): 912.
Vasange, M., et al. "A sulphonoglycolipid from the fern Polypodium decumanum and its effect on the platelet activating factor receptor in human neutrophils." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1997; 49(5): 562-617.
Vasange, M., et al. "Flavonoid constituents of two Polypodium species (Calaguala) and their effect on the elastase release in human neutrophils." Planta Med. 1997; 63(6): 511-17.
Vasange, M., et al. "The fern Polypodium decumanum, used in the treatment of psoriasis, and its fatty acid constituents as inhibitors of leukotriene B4 formation." Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essent. Fatty Acids 1994; 50: 279-284.
Tuominen, M., et al. "Effects of calaguala and an active principle, adenosine, on platelet activating factor." Planta Med. 1992; 58(4): 306-10.
Jimenez, D., et al. "Anapsos, an antipsoriatic drug, in atopic dermatitis." Allergol. Immunopathol. 1987; 15(4): 185-9.
Jimenez, D., et al. "Anapsos modifies immunological parameters and improves the clinical course in atopic dermatitis." Dermatologica 1986; 173(3):154-5.
Pineiro Alvarez, B. "2 years personal experience in anapsos treatment of psoriasis in various clinical forms." Med. Cutan. Ibero. Lat. Am. 1983; 11(1): 65-72.
Vargas, J., et al. "Anapsos, an antipsoriatic drug which increases the proportion of suppressor cells in human peripheral blood." Ann. Immunol. 1983; 134C(3):393-400.
Del Pino Gamboa, J., et al. "Comparative study between 120 mg. of anapsos and a placebo in 37 psoriasis patients." Med. Cutan. Ibero. Lat. Am. 1982; 10(3): 203-8.
Capella Perez, M., et al. "Double-blind study using ‘anapsos’ 120 mg. in the treatment of psoriasis." Actas Dermosifiliogr. 1981; 72(9-10): 487-94.
Mercadal Peyri, O., et al. "Preliminary communication on the treatment of psoriasis with anapsos." Actas Dermosifiliogr. 1981; 72(1-2): 65-8.
Padilla, H. "A new agent (hydrophilic fraction of Polypodium leucotomos) for management of psoriasis." Int. J. Dermatol. 1974; 13(5): 276-82.

Sunscreen, Skin Cellular Repair, Protective & Lightening Actions:
Zamarrón, A., et al. "Fernblock prevents dermal cell damage induced by visible and infrared A radiation." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018 Aug; 19(8): E2250.
Rabinovich, L., et al. "Herbal sun protection agents: Human studies." Clin. Dermatol. 2018 May - Jun; 36(3): 369-375.
Goh, C., et al. "Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Polypodium leucotomos extract in the treatment of melasma in asian skin: A pilot study." J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol. 2018 Mar; 11(3): 14-19.
Gianfaldoni, S., et al. "Herbal compounds for the treatment of vitiligo: a review." J. Med. Sci. 2018 Jan; 6(1): 203-207.
Emanuele, E., et al. "Comparative effects of a fixed Polypodium leucotomos/ Pomegranate combination versus Polypodium leucotomos alone on skin biophysical parameters." Neuro. Endocrinol. Lett. 2017 Feb; 38(1): 38-42.
Kohli, I., et al. "The impact of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract on ultraviolet B response: A human clinical study." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2017 Jul; 77(1): 33-41.
Torricelli, P., et al. "Protective effects of Polypodium leucotomos extract against UVB-induced damage in a model of reconstructed human epidermis." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 2017 May; 33(3): 156-163.
Luber, A., et al. "Use of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in chronic photoinduced hypersensitivity dermatitis." Skin Med. 2016 Feb; 14(1): 62-3.
Nestor, M., et al. "Safety and efficacy of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in healthy adult subjects." J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol. 2015 Feb; 8(2): 19-23.
Winkelmann, R., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract: a status report on clinical efficacy and safety." J. Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Mar; 14(3): 254-61.
Bhatia, N. "Polypodium leucotomos: a potential new photoprotective agent." Am. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2015 Apr; 16(2): 73-9.
Palomino, O. "Current knowledge in Polypodium leucotomos effect on skin protection." Arch. Dermatol. Res. 2015 Apr; 307(3): 199-209.
Biba, E. "Protection: the sunscreen pill." Nature. 2014 Nov; 515(7527): S124-5.
Nestor, M., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos as an adjunct treatment of pigmentary disorders." J. Clin Aesthet. Dermatol. 2014 Mar; 7(3): 13-7.
Jansen, R., et al. "Photoprotection: part I. Photoprotection by naturally occurring, physical, and systemic agents." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2013 Dec; 69(6): 853.
Ahmed, A., et al. "A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract as an adjunct to sunscreen in the treatment of melasma." JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Aug; 149(8): 981-3.
Aguilera, P., et al. "Benefits of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in MM high-risk patients." J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2013 Sep; 27(9): 1095-100.
Rodríguez-Yanes, E., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos decreases UV-induced epidermal cell proliferation and enhances p53 expression and plasma antioxidant capacity in hairless mice." Exp. Dermatol. 2012 Aug; 21(8): 638-40.
Konda, S., et al. "New horizons in treating disorders of hyperpigmentation in skin of color." Semin. Cutan. Med. Surg. 2012 Jun; 31(2): 133-9.
Breithaupt, A., et al. "Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a case report of Polypodium leucotomos as an adjuvant therapy." Cutis. 2012 Apr; 89(4): 183-4.
Tanew, A., et al. "Oral administration of a hydrophilic extract of Polypodium leucotomos for the prevention of polymorphic light eruption." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2012 Jan; 66(1): 58-62.
Gonzales, S., et al. "Fernblock, a nutriceutical with photoprotective properties and potential preventive agent for skin photoaging and photoinduced skin cancers." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011; 12(12):8466-75.
Caccialanza, M., et al. "Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract photoprotective activity in 57 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses." G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Apr;146(2):85-7.
Reuter, J., et al. "Which plant for which skin disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, chronic venous insufficiency, photoprotection, actinic keratoses, vitiligo, hair loss, cosmetic indications." J. Dtsch. Dermatol. Ges. 2010 Nov; 8(11): 866-73.
Gonzales, S., et al. "Mechanistic insights in the use of a Polypodium leucotomos extract as an oral and topical photoprotective agent." Photochem. Photobiol. Sci. 2010 Apr; 9(4): 559-63.
Villa, A., et al. "Decrease of ultraviolet A light-induced "common deletion" in healthy volunteers after oral Polypodium leucotomos extract supplement in a randomized clinical trial." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2010 Mar; 62(3): 511-3.
Whitton, M., et al. "Interventions for vitiligo." Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2010 Jan; (1): CD003263.
Zattra, E., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases UV-induced Cox-2 expression and inflammation, enhances DNA repair, and decreases mutagenesis in hairless mice." Am. J. Pathol. 2009 Nov; 175(5): 1952-61.
Phillips, N., et al. "Cancer cell growth and extracellular matrix remodeling mechanism of ascorbate; beneficial modulation by P. leucotomos." Anticancer Res. 2009 Aug; 29(8): 3233-8.
Phillips, N., et al. "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." Arch. Dermatol. Res. 2009 Aug; 301(7): 487-95.
Filip, A., et al. "Photochemoprevention of cutaneous neoplasia through natural products." Exp. Oncol. 2009 Mar; 31(1): 9-15.
Bordere, A., et al. "Current and emerging therapy for the management of vitiligo." Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2009 Mar 12;2:15-25.
Mulero, M., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits glutathione oxidation and prevents Langerhans cell depletion induced by UVB/UVA radiation in a hairless rat model." Exp. Dermatol. 2008 Aug; 17(8): 653-8.
Bauman, L., et al. "Less-known botanical cosmeceuticals." Dermatol. Ther. 2007 Sep-Oct; 20(5): 330-42. Review.
Jan'czyk, A., et al. "A Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits solar-simulated radiation-induced TNF-alpha and iNOS expression, transcriptional activation and apoptosis." Exp. Dermatol. 2007 Oct; 16(10): 823-9.
Gonzales, S., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract: a nutraceutical with photoprotective properties." Drugs Today (Barc). 2007 Jul; 43(7): 475-85.
Luger, T. "[An alternative to creams? Sunscreens to swallow]." MMW Fortschr. Med. 2007 Jun; 149(27-28): 8.
Middelkamp-Hup, M., et al. "Treatment of vitiligo vulgaris with narrow-band UVB and oral Polypodium leucotomos extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study." J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2007 Aug; 21(7): 942-50.
Caccialanza, M., et al. "Photoprotective activity of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in 25 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 2007 Feb; 23(1): 46-7.
Reyes, E., et al. "Systemic immunomodulatory effects of Polypodium leucotomos as an adjuvant to PUVA therapy in generalized vitiligo: A pilot study." J. Dermatol. Sci. 2006; 41(3): 213-6.
Capote, R., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits trans-urocanic acid photoisomerization and photodecomposition." J. Photochem. Photobiol. B. 2006; 82(3): 173-9.
Middelkamp-Hup, M., et al. "Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2004 Dec; 51(6): 910-8.
Middelkamp-Hup, M., et al. "Orally administered Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases psoralen-UVA-induced phototoxicity, pigmentation, and damage of human skin." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2004; 50(1): 41-9.
Philips, N., et al. "Predominant effects of Polypodium leucotomos on membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, and expression of elastin and matrixmetalloproteinase-1 in ultraviolet radiation exposed fibroblasts, and keratinocytes." J. Dermatol. Sci. 2003 Jun; 32(1): 1-9.
Alonso-Lebrero, J. L., et al. "Photoprotective properties of a hydrophilic extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos on human skin cells." J. Photochem. Photobiol. B. 2003 Apr; 70(1): 31-7.
Alcaraz, M., et al. "An extract of Polypodium leucotomos appears to minimize certain photoaging changes in a hairless albino mouse animal model. A pilot study." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 1999; 15(3-4): 120-26.
Gonzalez, S., et al. "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." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 1997; 13(1-2): 50-60.
Pathak, M., et al. "Polypodium extract as photoprotectant." U.S. patent no. 5, 614, 197; 1997.
Gonzalez, S., et al. "Inhibition of ultraviolet-induced formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, erythema and skin photosensitization by Polypodium leucotomos." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 1996; 12(2): 45
Mohammad A. "Vitiligo repigmentation with Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos)." Int. J. Dermatol. 1989; 28(7): 479.

Anti-Alzheimer’s & Brain Cell Protection Actions:
Alvarez, X. et al. "Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study with anapsos in senile dementia: effects on cognition, brain bioelectrical activity and cerebral hemodynamics." Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 2000; 22(7): 585-94.
Cacabelos, R., et al. "A pharmacogenomic approach to Alzheimer’s disease." Acta Neurol. Scand. Suppl. 2000; 176: 12-19.
Alvarez, X., et al. "Anapsos improves learning and memory in rats with beta-amyloid (1-28) deposits in the hippocampus" Progress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s Diseases, Ed. Fisher, A., Yoshida, M. and Hannin, I., Plenum Press, New York, 1998; pp. 699-703.
Nikolov, R. "Alzheimer's disease therapy - an update." Drug News Perspect. 1998 May; 11(4): 248-55.
Alvarez, X., et al. "Anapsos reverses interleukin-1 beta overexpression and behavioral deficits in nbM-lesioned rats." Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 1997; 19(5): 299-309.
Fernandez-Novoa, L., et al. "Effects of Anapsos on the activity of the enzyme Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase in an animal model of neuronal degeneration." Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 1997; 19(2): 99-106.
Quintanilla A., et al. "Pharmaceutical composition of activity in the treatment of cognitive and/or neuroimmune dysfunctions." U.S. patent no. 5,601,829; 1997.

Athletic Performance & Endurance Actions:
García Verazaluce, J., et al. "[Effect of Phlebodium decumanum and coenzyme Q10 on sports performance in professional volleyball players]." Nutr. Hosp. 2014 Oct; 31(1): 401-14.
Vargas Corzo, M., et al. "[Benefits of Phlebodium decumanum intake on the muscle damage in the response to intense physical exercise in sedentary subjects]." Nutr. Hosp. 2014 Jun; 29(6): 1408-18.
Díaz-Castro, J., et al. "Phlebodium decumanum is a natural supplement that ameliorates the oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling induced by strenuous exercise in adult humans." Eur. J Appl. Physiol. 2012 Aug; 112(8): 3119-28.
Solivellas, B., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract use to prevent and reduce the risk of infectious diseases in high performance athletes." Infect. Drug Resist. 2012; 5: 149-53.
Gonzalez-Jurado, J., et al. "Effect of Phlebodium decumanum on the immune response induced by training in sedentary university students." J. Sports Sci. Med. 2011 Jun; 10(2): 315-21.
Gonzalezjurado, J., et al. "[Effects of the consumption of Phlebodium decumanum on plasma cortisol and testosterone levels in subjects participating in an exercise program]." Rev. Med. Chil. 2009 Apr; 137(4): 497-503.

Anti-inflammatory & Immune Modulating Actions:
Sánchez-Rodríguez, C., et al. "Immunomodulatory effect of Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos) in child palatine tonsil model." Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Apr; 107: 56-61.
Calzavara-Pinton, P., et al. "Oral Polypodium leucomotos increases the anti-inflammatory and melanogenic responses of the skin to different modalities of sun exposures: a pilot study." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 2016 Jan; 32(1): 22-7.
Solivellas, B., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract use to prevent and reduce the risk of infectious diseases in high performance athletes." Infect. Drug Resist. 2012; 5: 149-53.
Ramírez-Bosca, A., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract in atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial." Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2012 Sep; 103(7): 599-607.
Breithaupt, A., et al. "Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a case report of Polypodium leucotomos as an adjuvant therapy." Cutis. 2012 Apr; 89(4): 183-4.
Diaz-Castro, J., et al. "Phlebodium decumanum is a natural supplement that ameliorates the oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling induced by strenuous exercise in adult humans." Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2012 Aug; 112(8): 3119-28.
Siscovick, J., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos inhibits ultraviolet B radiation-induced immunosuppression." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 2008 Jun; 24(3): 134-41.
Navarro-Zorraquino, M., et al. "Pharmacological immunomodulation of surgical trauma." J. Invest. Surg. 2007 Sep-Oct; 20(5): 283-9.
López-Abán, J., et al. "Immunomodulation of the response to excretory/secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica by Anapsos in Balb/C mice and rat alveolar macrophages." J. Parasitol. 2007 Apr; 93(2): 428-32.
Reyes, E., et al. "Systemic immunomodulatory effects of Polypodium leucotomos as an adjuvant to PUVA therapy in generalized vitiligo: A pilot study." J. Dermatol. Sci. 2006; 41(3): 213-6.
Garcia, F., et al. "Phenolic components and antioxidant activity of Fernblock (R), an aqueous extract of the aerial parts of the fern Polypodium leucotomos." Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 2006 Apr; 28(3): 157-60.
Punzon, C., et al. "In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Phlebodium decumanum. Modulation of tumor necrosis factor and soluble TNF receptors." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2003; 3(9): 1293-9.
Manna, S., et al. "Calagualine inhibits nuclear transcription factors-kappaB activated by various inflammatory and tumor promoting agents." Cancer Lett. 2003; 190(2): 171-82.
Lombardi, V., et al. "Extracts from Polypodium ferns upregulate the expression of CD95 in human peripheral blood lymphocytes." Orient. Pharm. Exper. Med. 2003; 3(2): 90-99.
Cuellar, C., et al. "Effect of Polypodium leucotomos extract on nitric oxide production in J774 macrophages." Pharm. Bio. 2003; 41(3): 219-222.
Sempere-Ortells, J., et al. "Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos) modulates lymphoid cells and the expression of adhesion molecules." Pharmacol. Res. 2002; 46(2): 185-90.
Brieva, A., et al. "Immunomodulatory properties of a hydrophilic extract of Polypodium leucotomos." Inflammopharmacol. 2001 Aug; 9(4): 361–371
Gonzalez, S., et al. "An extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos (Difur) modulates Th1/Th2 cytokines balance in vitro and appears to exhibit anti-angiogenic activities in vivo: Pathogenic relationships and therapeutic implications." Anticancer Res. 2000; 20(3a): 1567-75.
Navarro-Blasco, F., et al. "Modification of the inflammatory activity of psoriatic arthritis in patients treated with extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos)." Br. J. Rheumatol. 1998; 37(8): 912.
Liu, B., et al "Quantitative determination of antiinflammatory principles in some Polypodium species as a basis for standardization." Phytomedicine. 1998; 5(3): 187-194.
Sempere-Ortells, J., et al. "Effect of Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos extract) on in vitro production of cytokines." Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 1997; 43(1): 85-9.
Bernd, A., et al. "In vitro studies on the immunomodulating effects of Polypodium leucotomos extract on human leukocyte fractions." Arzneimittelforschung. 1995; 45(8): 901-4.
Rayward, J. et al. "Polypodium leucotomos (PL), an herbal extract, inhibits the proliferative response of T. lymphocytes to polyclonal mitogens." Second Intl. Cong. on Biol. Response Modifiers, San Diego, U.S.A. 1993.
Tuominen, M., et al., "Effects of Calaguala and an active principle, adenosine, on platelet activating factor." Planta Medica 1992; 58(4): 306-310.
Fernandez, M., "Immunosuppressive and pharmacologically active compounds from Polypodium leucotomos." ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1993 Aug; 332
Tuominen, M., et al., "Enhancing effect of extract Polypodium leucotomos on the prevention of rejection on skin transplants" Phytotherapy Res. 1991; 5: 234-37.
Tuominen, M., et al., "Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of the fern Polypodium decumanum." Planta Medica 1991; 57(Suppl 2): A2-3.

Antioxidant Actions:
Das, K., "Effect of demographic location on Phlebodium decumanum (Willd.) J. Sm. for its phytoconstituents and establishment of antioxidant and novel anthelmintic activity of its aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts." Ann. Phytomedicine 2017; 6(1): 101-106.
Bosch, R., et al. "Mechanisms of photoaging and cutaneous photocarcinogenesis, and photoprotective strategies with phytochemicals." Antioxidants. 2015 Mar; 4(2): 248-68.
Rodríguez-Yanes, E., et al. "Oral administration of Polypodium leucotomos delays skin tumor development and increases epidermal p53 expression and the anti-oxidant status of UV-irradiated hairless mice." Exp. Dermatol. 2014 Jul; 23(7): 526-8.
Diaz-Castro, J., et al. "Phlebodium decumanum is a natural supplement that ameliorates the oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling induced by strenuous exercise in adult humans." Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2012 Aug; 112(8): 3119-28.
Rodríguez-Yanes, E., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos decreases UV-induced epidermal cell proliferation and enhances p53 expression and plasma antioxidant capacity in hairless mice." Exp. Dermatol. 2012 Aug; 21(8): 638-40.
Berson, D. "Natural antioxidants." J. Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Jul; 7(7 Suppl): s 7-12.
Mulero, M., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract inhibits glutathione oxidation and prevents Langerhans cell depletion induced by UVB/UVA radiation in a hairless rat model." Exp. Dermatol. 2008 Aug; 17(8): 653-8.
Emanuel, P., et al. "A review of DNA repair and possible DNA-repair adjuvants and selected natural anti-oxidants." Dermatol. Online J. 2007 Jul; 13(3): 10.
Fernandez-Novoa, L., et al. "Effects of Anapsos on the activity of the enzyme Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase in an animal model of neuronal degeneration." Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 1997; 19(2): 99-106.
Garcia, F., et al. "Phenolic components and antioxidant activity of Fernblock, an aqueous extract of the aerial parts of the fern Polypodium leucotomos." Methods Find Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 2006 Apr; 28(3): 157-60.
Gombau, L., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract: Antioxidant activity and disposition." Toxicol. In Vitro. 2006 Jun; 20(4): 464-71.
Gomes, A., et al. "The antioxidant action of Polypodium leucotomos extract and kojic acid: reactions with reactive oxygen species." Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2001; 34(11): 1487-94.

Anticancerous & Cancer Preventative Actions:
Lim, H., et al. "Current challenges in photoprotection." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2017 Mar; 76(3S1): S91-S99.
Mounessa, J., et al. "Primary and secondary chemoprevention of malignant melanoma." Am. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2016 Dec; 17(6): 625-634.
Auriemma, M., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos supplementation in the treatment of scalp actinic keratosis: could it improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy?" Dermatol. Surg. 2015 Aug; 41(8): 898-902.
Rodríguez-Yanes, E., et al. "Oral administration of Polypodium leucotomos delays skin tumor development and increases epidermal p53 expression and the anti-oxidant status of UV-irradiated hairless mice." Exp. Dermatol. 2014 Jul; 23(7): 526-8.
Gonzalez, S., et al. "Fernblock, a nutriceutical with photoprotective properties and potential preventive agent for skin photoaging and photoinduced skin cancers." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011; 12(12): 8466-75.
Gridling, M., et al. "In vitro anti-cancer activity of two ethno-pharmacological healing plants from Guatemala Pluchea odorata and Phlebodium decumanum." Int. J. Oncol. 2009 Apr; 34(4): 1117-28.
Manna, S., et al. "Calagualine inhibits nuclear transcription factors-κB activated by various inflammatory and tumor promoting agents." Cancer Letters. 2003 Feb; 190(2): 171-182.
Punzon, C., et al. "In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Phlebodium decumanum. Modulation of tumor necrosis factor and soluble TNF receptors." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2003; 3(9): 1293-9.

Antidiarrheal Actions:
Chowdhury, A., et al. "Antidiarrheal activity of Polypodium leucotomos." Phytopharmacology. 2012; 3(2): 245-251.

Hypoglycemic Actions:
Niranjan, P., et al. "Pharmacological investigation of leaves of Polypodium decumanum for antidiabetic activity." J. Drug Del. Ther. 2017; 7(4): 69-72.

Antibacterial Actions:
Niranjan, P., et al. "Pharmacological investigation of leaves of Polypodium decumanum for anti-bacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria." Int. J. Res. Dev. Pharm, Life Sci. 2017 Jun-Jul; (6)4: 2685-2688.

Antiparasitic & Anthelmintic Actions:
Das, K., "Effect of demographic location on Phlebodium decumanum (Willd.) J. Sm. for its phytoconstituents and establishment of antioxidant and novel anthelmintic activity of its aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts." Ann. Phytomedicine 2017; 6(1): 101-106.
López-Abán, J., et al. "Immunomodulation of the response to excretory/secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica by Anapsos in Balb/C mice and rat alveolar macrophages." J. Parasitol. 2007 Apr; 93(2): 428-32.
Martínez-Fernández, A., et al. "Vaccination of mice and sheep with Fh12 FABP from Fasciola hepatica using the new adjuvant/immunomodulator system ADAD." Vet. Parasitol. 2004 Dec; 126(3): 287-98.
Nogal-Ruiz, J., "Effect of Anapsos in a murine model of experimental trichomoniasis. Parasite. 2003 Dec; 10(4): 303-8.
Nogal-Ruiz, J., "Modulation by Polypodium leucotomos extract of cytokine patterns in experimental trichomoniasis model." Parasite. 2003 Mar; 10(1): 73-8.
Dea-Ayuela, M., "Modulation by Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos extract) of the antibody responses against the nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis." Phytother. Res. 1999 Nov; 13(7): 566-70.

Toxicity / Safety Studies:
Murbach, T., et al. "A 28-day oral toxicology study of an aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock(®))." Toxicol. Rep. 2017 Sep; 4: 494-501.
Murbach, T., et al. "A comprehensive toxicological safety assessment of an aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock(®))." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2015 Dec; 86: 328-41.
Nestor, M., et al. "Safety and efficacy of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in healthy adult subjects." J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol. 2015 Feb; 8(2): 19-23.
Winkelmann, R., et al. "Polypodium leucotomos extract: a status report on clinical efficacy and safety." J. Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Mar; 14(3): 254-61.
Aguilera, P., et al. "Benefits of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in MM high-risk patients." J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2013 Sep; 27(9): 1095-100.

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