Polypodium Leucotomos Extract (PLE)

Products Description:

Polypodium leucotomos extract comes from a tropical fern plant grown in Central and South America. Native Americans have used the plant extract for centuries for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and skin diseases. Recently, clinical research has shown that it has antioxidant and photoprotective properties and taken orally provides protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other sources.

Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) is currently marketed in New Zealand as Heliocare®. It is combined with two other antioxidants, green tea extract and beta-carotene.

How does PLE work?
 

To gain a better understanding of how PLE works, you need to understand the effects of UV radiation on the body. These are described in the article on sunburn.

The mechanism of action of PLE is fairly complex but has been summarized into the following main points:

What is PLE used for?
 

PLE is an addition to the armamentarium against the damaging effects of UV radiation exposure. It should be considered as another layer of protection and used in conjunction with a good sunscreen and protective clothing.

PLE is particularly suitable for people whom are photosensitive, especially those with polymorphous light eruption. Clinical trials have been performed in people with skin types II to IV and results show that PLE provides significant protection of skin against UV radiation.

PLE can also be used as a chemophotoprotector against PUVA-induced skin phototoxicity. Extensive PUVA treatment results in premature aging changes in the skin (i.e. increased dryness, freckling and wrinkling) and can increase the chance of skin cancer. Fair skinned individuals or those with previous sun or radiation damage are most at risk. In clinical trials, PLE has proven to be the first oral agent effective in reducing the harmful side effects of PUVA treatment.

PLE has been used as a naturopathic medicine during the last three decades for the alleviation of vitiligo, psoriasis, dermatitis and multiple sclerosis.
 

How is PLE given?
 

In New Zealand PLE is currently marketed as Heliocare, a dietary supplement, containing a combination of the antioxidants Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), green tea extract and beta-carotene. The recommended dose of Heliocare is one capsule taken daily. It is rapidly absorbed and provides early protection that lasts up to 2 hours after administration, against the initial signs of sunburn, ie: erythema reaction. However, its photoprotective effect extends beyond just decreasing the erythema reaction. The antioxidant properties of orally administered PLE work at protecting the skin at a deeper cellular level which is not achieved with topically applied antioxidants.