Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern native to the Americas.
Taking supplements or using topical creams made from the plant is thought to help treat inflammatory skin conditions and protect against sun damage.
Research is limited, but some studies have shown that Polypodium leucotomos is generally safe and effective.
This article takes a look at the uses, benefits, and potential side effects of Polypodium leucotomos.
What Is Polypodium Leucotomos?
Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern from Central and South America.
The name — often used in modern biomedicine — is technically a deprecated synonym for the plant name Phlebodium aureum.
Both its thin, green leaves and underground stems (rhizomes) have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries (1Trusted Source).
They contain antioxidants and other compounds that may protect against skin damage caused by inflammation and unstable molecules called free radicals.
Polypodium leucotomos is available in both oral supplements and topical skin creams that contain varying amounts of the plant’s extract.
See more: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/polypodium-leucotomos#what-it-is
