폴리포디움 (햇빛)

Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation Containing Red Orange and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts on UVB-Induced Skin Responses: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

1. Nutrients. 2025 Apr 2;17(7):1240. doi: 10.3390/nu17071240. Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation Containing Red Orange and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts on UVB-Induced Skin Responses: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Keršmanc P(1), Pogačnik T(1), Žmitek J(1), Hristov H(2),

The combination of oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized Polypodium leucotomos extract is beneficial against actinic keratosis.

2. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2023 Jul;39(4):384-391. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12870. Epub 2023 Mar 31. The combination of oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized Polypodium leucotomos extract is beneficial against actinic keratosis. Pellacani G(1), Peris K(2), Ciardo S(3), Pezzi

Short-term administration of Polypodium leucotomos extract does not inhibit CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of midazolam in healthy subjects: an open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence study.

3. Int J Dermatol. 2023 May;62(5):694-699. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16303. Epub 2022 Jun 25. Short-term administration of Polypodium leucotomos extract does not inhibit CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of midazolam in healthy subjects: an open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence study. Shinya K(1)(2)(3), Nishi

Systematic Review on Dietary Supplements in the Prevention and/or Treatment of Actinic Keratosis and Field Cancerization.

4. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2025 Jun;116(6):589-610. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2024.12.019. Epub 2025 Feb 21. Systematic Review on Dietary Supplements in the Prevention and/or Treatment of Actinic Keratosis and Field Cancerization. [Article in English, Spanish] Rodríguez-Luna A(1), Zamarrón A(2), Longo C(

Oral Supplements and Photoprotection: A Systematic Review.

5. J Med Food. 2025 Jun;28(6):519-541. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2024.0023. Epub 2025 Jan 13. Oral Supplements and Photoprotection: A Systematic Review. Natarelli N(1), Aflatooni S(1), Stankiewicz K(1), Correa-Selm L(2)(3), Sivamani RK(4)(5)(6)(7). Author information: (1)University of South Florida. Mor

Melasma: systematic review of the systemic treatments.

1. Int J Dermatol. 2017 Sep;56(9):902-908. doi: 10.1111/ijd.13578. Epub 2017 Feb 27. Melasma: systematic review of the systemic treatments. Zhou LL(1), Baibergenova A(2). Author information: (1)Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (2)Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Currently available treatment options for melasma include prevention of UV radiation, topical lightening agents, chemical peels, and light-based and laser therapies. However, none have shown effective and sustained results, with incomplete clearance and frequent recurrences. There has been increasing interest recently in oral medications and dietary supplements in improving melasma. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of oral medications and dietary supplements for the treatment of melasma. Multiple databases were systematically searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of oral medication for treatment of melasma alone or in combination with other treatments. A total of eight RCTs met inclusion criteria. Oral medications and dietary supplements evaluated include tranexamic acid, Polypodium leucotomos extract, beta-carotenoid, melatonin, and procyanidin. These agents appear to have a beneficial effect on melasma improvement. In conclusion, oral medications have a role in melasma treatment and have been shown to be efficacious and tolerable with a minimal number and severity of adverse events. Therefore, dermatologists should keep oral medications and dietary supplements in their armamentarium for the treatment of melasma. © 2017 The International Society of Dermatology. DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13578 PMID: 28239840 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Alternative Systemic Treatments for Vitiligo: A Review.

2. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015 Dec;16(6):463-74. doi: 10.1007/s40257-015-0153-5. Alternative Systemic Treatments for Vitiligo: A Review. Cohen BE(1), Elbuluk N(1), Mu EW(1), Orlow SJ(2). Author information: (1)The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, 240 East 38th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA. (2)The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, 240 East 38th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA. seth.orlow@nyumc.org. Vitiligo is a common, acquired disorder of skin pigmentation that can significantly impact quality of life. It often represents a therapeutic challenge, which has resulted in interest in alternative treatments such as herbal and vitamin supplements. In this review, we provide an overview of the most commonly studied complementary agents, describe proposed mechanisms of action, identify potential adverse effects, and discuss the primary evidence supporting their use. Our discussion focuses on L-phenylalanine, Polypodium leucotomos, khellin, Ginkgo biloba, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B12, C, and E, folic acid, and zinc used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments for the management of vitiligo. DOI: 10.1007/s40257-015-0153-5 PMID: 26329814 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Decrease of ultraviolet A light-induced "common deletion" in healthy volunteers after oral Polypodium leucotomos extract supplement in a randomized clinical trial.

3. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Mar;62(3):511-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.05.045. Decrease of ultraviolet A light-induced "common deletion" in healthy volunteers after oral Polypodium leucotomos extract supplement in a randomized clinical trial. Villa A, Viera MH, Amini S, Huo R, Perez O, Ruiz P, Amador A, Elgart G, Berman B. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.05.045 PMID: 20159320 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Interventions for vitiligo.

4. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jan 20;(1):CD003263. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003263.pub4. Interventions for vitiligo. Whitton ME(1), Pinart M, Batchelor J, Lushey C, Leonardi-Bee J, González U. Author information: (1)c/o Cochrane Skin Group, The University of Nottingham, Room A103, King's Meadow Campus, Lenton Lane, Nottingham, UK, NG7 2NR. Update in Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 24;(2):CD003263. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003263.pub5. Update of Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD003263. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003263.pub3. BACKGROUND: Around one per cent of the world's population has vitiligo, a disease which causes white patches on the skin. There are a variety of treatments available, most of which are unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To assess all interventions used to manage vitiligo. SEARCH STRATEGY: In November 2009 we updated searches of the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, LILACS and ongoing trials databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least 2 review authors independently assessed study eligibility and methodological quality, and carried out data extraction. Two of the 57 included studies could be combined for meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: In this update, 57 trials, including 19 from the original review, were assessed with 3139 participants. Most of the RCTs, which covered a wide range of interventions, had fewer than 50 participants. All of the studies assessed repigmentation, 6 measured cessation of spread, and 5 investigated the effect of treatment on quality of life.Most of the studies assessed combination therapies which generally reported better results. New interventions include monochromatic excimer light (MEL), Polypodium leucotomos, melanocyte transplantation, oral antioxidants, Chinese zengse pill, and pimecrolimus. We analysed the data from 28 studies that met our outcome criteria of improvement in quality of life and greater than 75% repigmentation.Fifteen analyses from studies comparing various interventions showed a statistically significant difference between the proportions of participants achieving more than 75% repigmentation. The majority of analyses showing statistically significant differences were from studies that assessed combination interventions which generally included some form of light treatment.Topical preparations, in particular corticosteroids, reported most adverse effects. However, in the combination studies it was difficult to ascertain which treatment caused these effects. None of the studies was able to demonstrate long-term benefits. Very few studies were conducted on children or included segmental vitiligo. We found one study of psychological interventions and none evaluating micropigmentation, depigmentation, or cosmetic camouflage. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review has found some evidence from individual studies to support existing therapies for vitiligo, but the usefulness of the findings is limited by the different designs and outcome measurements and lack of quality of life measures. There is a need for follow-up studies to assess permanence of repigmentation as well as high quality randomised trials using standardised measures and which also address quality of life. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003263.pub4 PMID: 20091542 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

The Utility of Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Extract for Dermatologic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

5. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025 Apr 1;24(4):346-351. doi: 10.36849/JDD.8410. The Utility of Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Extract for Dermatologic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Zundell MP, Katz A, Shah M, Burshtein J, Rigel D, Zakria D. BACKGROUND: Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), a fern plant product with strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has been employed to reduce photoaging and skin cancer. PLE may also serve as an adjuvant treatment for psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, photodermatoses, and melasma. This systematic review synthesizes the current data on PLE usage to manage dermatological diseases. METHODS: This systematic review followed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Methods Guide for Effectiveness and Comparative Effectiveness Reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRIMSA) guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were queried using keywords. Articles were screened for inclusion and subsequently grouped by dermatological condition. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 152 identified articles met inclusion criteria, including 11 randomized controlled trials and 5 treatment trials. Implicated dermatological conditions were photoaging/skin cancer (9 studies), actinic keratosis (3), photodermatoses (3), melasma (2), vitiligo (3), and atopic dermatitis (1). A thorough article review revealed several potential applications of PLE. CONCLUSION: PLE exhibits strong therapeutic potential with an encouraging safety profile. It has photoprotective and immunomodulatory properties, underscoring its potential as an adjuvant therapy for multiple dermatological conditions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(4):346-351. doi:10.36849/JDD.8410R1. DOI: 10.36849/JDD.8410 PMID: 40196953 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Efficacy of oral Polypodium leucotomos, colchicine cream and ingenol mebutate in the treatment of actinic keratoses and cutaneous field cancerization: a randomized clinical trial.

6. An Bras Dermatol. 2023 Mar-Apr;98(2):232-236. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.04.006. Epub 2022 Dec 23. Efficacy of oral Polypodium leucotomos, colchicine cream and ingenol mebutate in the treatment of actinic keratoses and cutaneous field cancerization: a randomized clinical trial. Miola AC(1), Miot HA(2). Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: anna.c.miola@unesp.br. (2)Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.04.006 PMCID: PMC9984694 PMID: 36567168 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

NB-UVB plus oral Polypodium leucotomos extract display higher efficacy than NB-UVB alone in patients with vitiligo.

7. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Mar;34(2):e14776. doi: 10.1111/dth.14776. Epub 2021 Feb 5. NB-UVB plus oral Polypodium leucotomos extract display higher efficacy than NB-UVB alone in patients with vitiligo. Pacifico A(1), Damiani G(2)(3)(4), Iacovelli P(1), Conic RRZ(5); Young Dermatologists Italian Network (YDIN); Gonzalez S(6), Morrone A(1). Author information: (1)Clinical Dermatology Department, S. Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy. (2)Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy. (3)Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences University of Milan, Milan, Italy. (4)PhD Degree Program in Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. (5)Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. (6)Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Alcalà University and Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Ctra, De Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain. Polypodium leucotomos displayed a synergic effect with NB-UVB in psoriasis, but its application on vitiligo remains understudied. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral supplementation with leaves extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PL) improves narrow band (NB) UVB phototherapy-induced repigmentation. Forty-four patients with generalized vitiligo were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, placebo controlled study. Twenty-three patients were randomly selected to receive combined treatment with NB-UVB phototherapy and 480 mg oral PL twice daily while 21 patients received NB-UVB phototherapy combined with placebo. All subjects were treated with NB-UVB twice weekly for 6 months. Our results demonstrated that oral PL combined with NB-UVB improved repigmentation as well as increased the response rate compared with patients treated with NB-UVB alone (47.8% vs 22%). Our study suggests that oral supplementation of PL and NB-UVB phototherapy enhance the extent of repigmentation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. DOI: 10.1111/dth.14776 PMID: 33433041 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

A Systematic Review of Nutrition, Supplement, and Herbal-Based Adjunctive Therapies for Vitiligo.

8. J Altern Complement Med. 2021 Apr;27(4):294-311. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0292. Epub 2020 Dec 18. A Systematic Review of Nutrition, Supplement, and Herbal-Based Adjunctive Therapies for Vitiligo. Shakhbazova A(1), Wu H(2)(3), Chambers CJ(2)(4)(5), Sivamani RK(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). Author information: (1)University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA. (2)College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, USA. (3)Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA. (4)Pacific Skin Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA. (5)Zen Dermatology, Sacramento, CA, USA. (6)Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, USA. Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition that affects people globally anywhere, from <0.1% to more than 8% of individuals. The disease destroys skin melanocytes, resulting in a patchy depigmentation of the skin. About 50% of all patients develop the disease before their 20s. Methods: We systematically searched the literature and reviewed the evidence for the use of nutritional supplements and diet in the management of vitiligo. Embase and Medline were searched for diet, herbal, and nutrition-based clinical studies. Additional filters were applied that looked for controlled trial or randomized controlled trial and article or article in press or letter and English and clinical study. We selected clinical studies in humans that showed how diet or natural supplements can improve the symptoms of vitiligo in all of our searches. Results: There were 62 manuscripts that resulted from the PubMed search and 259 from the Embase search. A final of 26 studies were reviewed, and other supplemental case and case-control studies were used to introduce diet components that may influence either exacerbation or amelioration of vitiligo. Possible mechanisms of action are introduced for natural and supplemental interventions. Conclusion: Some of the supplements reviewed include Gingko biloba, oral Polypodium leucotomos, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins B12, D, and E, folic acid, phenylalanine, canthaxanthin, Nigella sativa oil, and other combined herbal bio-actives. Overall, the growing evidence is promising, but more studies are needed in this area to further explore the impact that supplements and diet can have on vitiligo management. The most promising therapies included oral phenylalanine as adjuvant therapy with UVA therapy, oral G. biloba as monotherapy, both of which can be used with other traditional therapies, and oral P. leucotomos with phototherapy or photochemotherapy. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0292 PMID: 33337930 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Comparative effects of a fixed Polypodium leucotomos/Pomegranate combination versus Polypodium leucotomos alone on skin biophysical parameters.

9. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2017 Feb;38(1):38-42. Comparative effects of a fixed Polypodium leucotomos/Pomegranate combination versus Polypodium leucotomos alone on skin biophysical parameters. Emanuele E(1), Bertona M(1), Biagi M(2). Author information: (1)2E Science, Robbio (PV), Italy. (2)Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Italy. OBJECTIVES: Polypodium leucotomos extract is a commonly used systemic photoprotective agent. In an exploratory fashion, the current study aimed to compare the effects of oral supplementation with a fixed Polypodium leucotomos/pomegranate combination (PPmix®) versus Polypodium leucotomos alone (Fernblock®) on skin biophysical parameters of Caucasian adults. METHODS: Forty healthy adult volunteers (20 males and 20 females; mean age: 37.2±5.5 years) were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to a fixed Polypodium leucotomos/pomegranate combination (480 mg/day; n=20) or Polypodium leucotomos alone (480 mg/day; n=20) for 3 months. Six skin biophysical parameters (skin sebum content, hydration, transepidermal water loss [TEWL], erythema index, melanin index, and elasticity) were measured at baseline and after 3 months by personnel blinded to participant allocation. RESULTS: At the end of the study, hydration and elasticity were significantly improved and TEWL was reduced in both groups, without significant intergroup differences. The erythema index was decreased by both treatments, although the fixed Polypodium leucotomos/pomegranate combination was significantly more effective. Finally, melanin index and skin sebum content were reduced by the fixed Polypodium leucotomos/pomegranate combination, whereas Polypodium leucotomos alone did not affect them. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a fixed Polypodium leucotomos/pomegranate combination provides a greater improvement of skin biophysical parameters compared to Polypodium leucotomos alone in adult Caucasians. Our findings may have implications for optimizing systemic skin photoprotection and beautification strategies. PMID: 28456146 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Polypodium leucotomos supplementation in the treatment of scalp actinic keratosis: could it improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy?

10. Dermatol Surg. 2015 Aug;41(8):898-902. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000425. Polypodium leucotomos supplementation in the treatment of scalp actinic keratosis: could it improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy? Auriemma M(1), Di Nicola M, Gonzalez S, Piaserico S, Capo A, Amerio P. Author information: (1)*Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Dermatologic Clinic, University "G. d'Annunzio," Chieti-Pescara, Italy; †Department of Experimental and Clinical Science, University "G. d'Annunzio," Chieti-Pescara, Italy; ‡Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; §Dermatology Service, Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain; ‖Dermatologic Department, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. BACKGROUND: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are a common premalignant skin condition. Many treatments are available for AKs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the most effective treatments. However, major concerns exist on the possibility of PDT-induced DNA-mutagenesis/immunosuppression, leading to AKs recurrence/treatment failure. An extract (PLE) from the fern polypodium leucotomos reduces UV-induced immunosuppression and mutagenesis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of PLE to enhance the efficacy of PDT treatment, reducing AKs recurrence on the scalp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four bald patients presenting at least two AKs on the scalp were alternatively assigned to two groups. Both groups underwent two PDT-sessions one-week apart. The first group began oral PLE supplementation one week after the last PDT session. Evaluation of the effect of PLE supplementation was performed by direct inspection of the bald areas, lesions count, and photodynamic diagnosis assessment at 2 and 6 months. RESULTS: Both groups were homogeneous in terms of skin phototype and previous UV exposure. Mean age was 75.7 ± 7.8 years and 76.5 ± 5.5 years, respectively. Both treatment modalities were successful in reducing AKs number (p < .001). However, PLE supplementation increased clearance rate compared with PDT alone (p = .040). CONCLUSION: Polypodium leucotomos improves PDT clearance and decreases AK recurrence rate at 6 months, suggesting its use as a complementary agent in the treatment of field cancerization. DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000425 PMID: 26218723 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Polypodium leucotomos extract: a status report on clinical efficacy and safety.

11. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Mar;14(3):254-61. Polypodium leucotomos extract: a status report on clinical efficacy and safety. Winkelmann RR, Del Rosso J, Rigel DS. Various extracts of polypodium leucotomos (PLE) applied topically or taken orally have been shown to have several beneficial antioxidant, photoprotectant, antimutagenic, and immunoregulatory effects. Modern studies have evaluated the efficacy of PLE orally as a photoprotective agent and for use in several photo-aggravated dermatologic disorders such as polymorphous light eruption, other photodermatoses, and melasma. No articles have been published evaluating the safety of PLE. We performed a PUBMED search for any randomized clinical trials related to PLE, or anapsos, a synonym. The primary safety endpoint of the review was any mention of an adverse event, side effect, or toxicity. Overall, 19 human and 6 basic science studies were included spanning over 40 years of research. Oral PLE was administered at daily doses ranging from 120 mg to 1080 mg. No adverse effects were reported in laboratory studies. In humans, side effects (gastrointestinal complaints and pruritus) were mild to moderate and found only in very small numbers of patients overall (16/1016 [2%]). This review concludes PLE is well tolerated at all doses administered and associated with a negligible risk of side effects. PMID: 25738847 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract as an adjunct to sunscreen in the treatment of melasma.

12. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Aug;149(8):981-3. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.4294. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract as an adjunct to sunscreen in the treatment of melasma. Ahmed AM(1), Lopez I, Perese F, Vasquez R, Hynan LS, Chong B, Pandya AG. Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.4294 PMID: 23740292 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Polypodium leucotomos extract in atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.

13. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2012 Sep;103(7):599-607. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2012.01.008. Epub 2012 May 3. Polypodium leucotomos extract in atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. [Article in English, Spanish] Ramírez-Bosca A(1), Zapater P, Betlloch I, Albero F, Martínez A, Díaz-Alperi J, Horga JF; Grupo de Anapsos en Dermatitis Atópica y centros de realización del estudio. Collaborators: Albero F, Azorín M, Betlloch I, Devesa P, Díaz-Alperi J, Genovi PM, Horga JF, Martínez A, Más C, Pujol C, Ramírez A, Salgado E, Zapater P. Author information: (1)Servicio de Dermatología, Centro Dermatológico Estético de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. INTRODUCTION: Topical corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and relieve itching in atopic dermatitis, but their use is limited by adverse reactions. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to investigate whether daily treatment with Polypodium leucotomos extract would reduce the use of topical corticosteroids in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis. We also analyzed oral antihistamine use and changes in disease severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a phase IV randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial involving 105 patients aged between 2 and 17 years who were receiving topical corticosteroids to treat moderate atopic dermatitis. The patients were randomized to receive, in addition to their standard treatment, Polypodium leucotomos extract or placebo (both in capsule form) for 6 months. The percentage of days on which topical corticosteroids and other atopic dermatitis treatments were used was calculated. RESULTS: Use of Polypodium leucotomos extract did not significantly reduce the mean (SD) percentage of days on which topical corticosteroids were used (11% [12%] vs 12% [11%] for placebo). A significant reduction was, however, observed for oral histamine use (median percentage of days, 4.5% in the Polypodium leucotomos group and 13.6% in the placebo group [P= .038]). The percentage of patients who used oral antihistamines was also lower in the Polypodium leucotomos group. CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment with Polypodium leucotomos extract has benefits for children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis who require pharmacologic treatment to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. and AEDV. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2012.01.008 PMID: 22560125 [Indexed for MEDLINE]