Polypodium leucotomos extract and anapsos
  
Polypodium leucotomos extract and anapsos
Background
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 in vitro 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.
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 evidenceGrade*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.
C
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.
C
Dementia (memory loss, disorientation)
Limited scientific information is available about the effectiveness of polypodium in the treatment of dementia.
C
* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
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.
Asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer, fever, high blood pressure, immune system stimulation, inflammation, rheumatism or joint diseases, sunburn protection, upper respiratory tract infection, vitiligo (loss of pigment in the skin), water retention, whooping cough.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
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 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
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. 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. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
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.
References
1. Alvarez XA, Pichel V, Perez P, 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):585-594.
2. Capella Perez MC, Castells RA. [Double-blind study using "anapsos" 120 mg. in the treatment of psoriasis]. Actas Dermosifiliogr 1981;72 (9-10) :487-494.
3. Del P, De S, Colomo G. Comparison of Polypodium leucotomis extract with placebo in 37 cases of psoriasis. Med Cutan Iber Lat Am 1982;10:203-208.
4. Del Pino GJ, De Sambricio GF, Colomo GC. [Comparative study between 120 mg. of anapsos and a placebo in 37 psoriasis patients]. Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am 1982;10(3):203-208.
5. Gonzalez S, Pathak MA, Cuevas J, 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.
6. Jimenez D, Naranjo R, Doblare E, et al. Anapsos, an antipsoriatic drug, in atopic dermatitis. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr ) 1987;15(4):185-189.
7. Mercadal PO, Maesci CF. [Preliminary communication on the treatment of psoriasis with anapsos]. Actas Dermosifiliogr 1981;72(1-2):65-68.
8. Mohammad A. Vitiligo repigmentation with Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos). Int J Dermatol 1989;28(7):479.
9. Navarro-Blasco FJ, Sempere JM. Modification of the inflammatory activity of psoriatic arthritis in patients treated with extract of Polipodium leucotomos (Anapsos). Br J Rheumatol 1998;37(8):912.
10. Nogal-Ruiz JJ, Gomez-Barrio A, Escario JA, et al. Modulation by Polypodium leucotomos extract of cytokine patterns in experimental trichomoniasis model. Parasite 2003;10(1):73-78.
11. Padilla H, Lainez H, Pacheco J. A new agent (hydrophilic fraction of Polypodium leucotomis) for management of psoriasis. Int J Derm 1974;13:276-282.
12. Pineiro AB. [2 years personal experience in anapsos treatment of psoriasis in various clinical forms]. Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am 1983;11(1):65-72.
13. Vasange-Tuominen M, Perera-Ivarsson P, Shen J, et al. The fern Polypodium decumanum, used in the treatment of psoriasis, and its fatty acid constituents as inhibitors of leukotriene B4 formation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;50(5):279-284.
January 01, 2004 
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