From Anirva, the maker of Dermal Radiance. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Daily life is hard on skin, and many people look for ways to support their skin from within. If you read supplement labels, you may have seen a long plant name and wondered what it is. Polypodium leucotomos is a fern from Central and South America. Here we look at what it is and how it may work in skin, the human studies, how much is in Dermal Radiance, and safety.
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- Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern. Supplements use an extract of its leaves, which is rich in plant antioxidants [1].
- Human studies focus on how skin responds to UV light. In small trials, skin showed less redness and less cell damage after a measured dose of UV light [3][4][5].
- Lab studies point to collagen support. In skin cells, the extract raised collagen and lowered an enzyme that breaks collagen down. A pilot study in 7 people points the same way [1][2][8].
- Safety tests did not change in a 60-day trial. Adults took 480 mg a day, and blood tests and exams stayed the same [4].
- Dermal Radiance contains 240 mg of the leaf extract. The 60-day trial used 240 mg twice a day [4][7].
What is Polypodium leucotomos?
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern in the Polypodiaceae family. It grows in Central and South America, and it has a long history of traditional use there [1]. The Dermal Radiance label also gives its common name, calaguala [7].
Supplements use an extract made from the leaves. The extract contains plant compounds called phenolic acids. These include ferulic, caffeic, chlorogenic, vanillic and p-coumaric acids [1].
You will often see the name shortened to PLE, for Polypodium leucotomos extract. As a modern supplement, it has been sold in Europe since at least 2000 and in the United States since 2006 [1].
How might Polypodium leucotomos work in skin?
Antioxidant activity (lab studies)
UV light creates unstable molecules in skin, and these cause oxidative stress. In lab studies, PLE lowered the amount of these molecules made after UV exposure. Ferulic and caffeic acids were the most active antioxidants among its compounds [1].
Collagen and elastin (lab studies)
Researchers have tested PLE on fibroblasts, the skin cells that make collagen. In these cell studies, PLE raised the amount of several types of collagen. It also lowered MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks collagen down [1].
A second review reports that PLE raised elastin and collagen in cells under oxidative stress [2]. Elastin is the protein that lets skin spring back. These are cell studies, so they show a possible pathway and not a result in people.
What does the research show?
The research on Polypodium leucotomos and skin is still growing. The human trials are small, and they share one design. People take PLE by mouth, and researchers then expose a small patch of skin to UV light.
A 2004 study in 9 adults
In 2004, researchers studied 9 healthy adults with lighter skin types. Small patches of skin were exposed to UV light, with and without a dose of PLE taken by mouth. The dose was 7.5 mg for each kilogram of body weight [3].
One day later, the skin exposed after PLE showed less redness. Skin samples also showed fewer damaged cells and fewer signs of DNA damage. A research grant from Industrial Farmacéutica Cantabria, a Spanish company, paid for the study [3].
A 60-day trial in 40 adults
In 2015, a trial in the United States followed 40 healthy adults aged 18 to 65. Half took 240 mg of PLE twice a day, and half took a placebo. The trial lasted 60 days [4].
Blood tests and physical exams did not change in either group. Fewer people in the PLE group reported a sunburn during the trial (2 of 20, compared with 8 of 20). In UV tests on 10 people from each group, skin in the PLE group tolerated more UV light before turning red [4].
Ferndale Healthcare, the company that supplied the PLE product, paid for this trial. Two of the authors were its consultants [4].
A 2017 study in 22 adults
In 2017, researchers studied 22 adults with lighter skin types. They exposed skin to UV light, then repeated the test after two doses of PLE. Skin color measures showed less change after PLE in 17 of the 22 people. Skin samples showed less change in all 22 [5].
The authors noted the limits. People took two doses, and the study had no people with darker skin. The same company paid for this study [5].
A review of 18 studies
A systematic review looked at 18 human studies of PLE taken by mouth. The studies had between 5 and 61 people each. Most reported that skin tolerated more UV light with PLE, and none reported a serious unwanted effect [6].
Most of the studies used one maker's leaf extract. The reviewers noted that extracts are made in different ways, so results for one may not be the same for another. A grant from the same company supported the review [6].
An independent review in 2022
In 2022, skin doctors at Henry Ford Health and other centers reviewed sun care for people with darker skin. They wrote that PLE is the most studied of the supplements taken by mouth in this field, and that the human studies are small [8].
The review describes two more studies. In one, 22 volunteers with darker skin types took PLE, and their skin was then exposed to visible light. The visible light caused less skin darkening after PLE [8].
In the other, 7 volunteers took PLE by mouth for 21 days. Skin exposed to visible and infrared light then showed 52% less MMP-1, the enzyme that breaks collagen down [8]. This is a human finding that matches the lab work, but 7 people is a very small group.
One of the review authors has been a consultant for Ferndale Healthcare, which funded two of the trials above [8].
Polypodium leucotomos is not a sunscreen. Experts suggest daily sunscreen, shade and protective clothing for sun care.
Study summary
| Study | People | Amount | Length | Main result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middelkamp-Hup et al., 2004 [3] | 9 healthy adults | 7.5 mg per kg, one dose | One day | Less redness and fewer damaged cells after UV |
| Nestor et al., 2015 [4] | 40 healthy adults, 18–65 | 480 mg a day (240 mg twice) | 60 days | No change in safety tests; skin tolerated more UV vs placebo |
| Kohli et al., 2017 [5] | 22 adults | Two doses | A few days | Less UV-related change in 17 of 22 people |
| Prado et al., 2019 [6] | 18 studies, 5–61 people each | Varied | Varied | Most showed skin tolerated more UV; no serious unwanted effects |
| Pilot study, in Seck et al., 2022 [8] | 7 volunteers | Not given in the review | 21 days | 52% less MMP-1 in skin exposed to visible and infrared light |
How much Polypodium leucotomos is in Dermal Radiance compared with the studies?
| Source | PLE a day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dermal Radiance (2 capsules) | 240 mg | Leaf extract, from the label [7] |
| 60-day trial | 480 mg | 240 mg taken twice a day [4] |
| 2004 study | 7.5 mg per kg | About 525 mg for a 70 kg adult, by our calculation [3] |
| 2017 study | Two doses | Amount not given in the summary we read [5] |
Dermal Radiance provides 240 mg a day. This is half the daily amount used in the 60-day trial, and lower than the single dose in the 2004 study.
The trials tested Polypodium leucotomos extract by itself, so their results do not describe Dermal Radiance as a whole.
What the research does not show yet
- The human trials measured how skin responds to light. They did not measure wrinkles, firmness or elasticity.
- The collagen and elastin findings come mostly from cell studies. One pilot study of 7 people measured a collagen-breakdown enzyme in skin, and larger studies are needed [1][2][8].
- The trials were small, with 9 to 40 people, and the longest lasted 60 days [3][4][5].
- We found no study of Polypodium leucotomos combined with the other Dermal Radiance ingredients.
Safety and interactions
In the 60-day trial, 480 mg a day did not change blood tests, vital signs or physical exams. Four people taking PLE reported mild tiredness, bloating or headache. The researchers did not think these were caused by the extract [4].
The review of 18 studies found no serious unwanted effects [6]. Reviews of the lab and animal safety work describe its toxicity as negligible, even at high doses [1][2].
Some gaps remain. The longest trial ran for 60 days, so we know less about use over many months. In our search, we did not find a page on Polypodium leucotomos at the major health reference sites, or guidance on medicines.
- Keep using sunscreen and shade. A supplement does not replace them.
- If you take another product with Polypodium leucotomos, add up the total amount.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Polypodium leucotomos is one part of Dermal Radiance
Dermal Radiance is a daily two-capsule supplement with 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts. They were chosen to support healthy collagen, skin firmness and elasticity, and radiance. Polypodium leucotomos is one of them.
Dermal Radiance has not been clinically tested as a finished product. For this reason, we cannot say how its ingredients work together. The studies in this article tested Polypodium leucotomos by itself, and their results describe that extract alone.
If you take Dermal Radiance, you are not relying on Polypodium leucotomos alone. It is one of 20 ingredients in each serving. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label [7].
A daily skin supplement with 20 ingredients
Polypodium leucotomos is one of 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts in Dermal Radiance, each listed with its amount on the label. Two capsules a day with a meal.
See the full ingredient listIf you are deciding
Think about what you want from a supplement. The human research on Polypodium leucotomos is about how skin handles UV light. The collagen research is at an early stage, with lab studies and one small pilot study in people. Experts suggest sunscreen, shade and a varied diet as the base for skin care, and a supplement adds to these habits. If you would like to try Dermal Radiance, the directions are two capsules a day with a meal [7].
The short version
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern extract rich in plant antioxidants. In small human trials, skin showed less redness and less cell damage after UV light. In cell studies and one small pilot study, it supported collagen. In a 60-day trial, safety tests did not change. Dermal Radiance provides 240 mg of the leaf extract.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polypodium leucotomos?
It is a fern from Central and South America. Supplements use an extract of its leaves. It is also called calaguala or PLE [1][7].
Does Polypodium leucotomos help skin?
In small human trials, skin showed less redness and less cell damage after a measured dose of UV light [3][4][5]. Trials have not yet measured wrinkles or firmness.
Does Polypodium leucotomos support collagen?
In cell studies, it raised collagen and lowered an enzyme that breaks collagen down [1]. In a pilot study of 7 people, the same enzyme was 52% lower in skin after 21 days of PLE [8]. Larger studies are needed.
How much Polypodium leucotomos is used in studies?
The 60-day trial used 480 mg a day, as 240 mg twice a day [4]. Dermal Radiance provides 240 mg a day [7].
Is Polypodium leucotomos a sunscreen?
No. It does not replace sunscreen, shade or protective clothing.
Is it safe to take Polypodium leucotomos every day?
In a 60-day trial, 480 mg a day did not change blood tests or exams [4]. A review of 18 studies found no serious unwanted effects [6]. Longer use has been studied less.
Is calaguala the same as Polypodium leucotomos?
Calaguala is a common name for this fern. The Dermal Radiance label lists it as Polypodium leucotomos (calaguala) leaf extract [7].
How long has Polypodium leucotomos been used?
The fern has a long history of traditional use in Central and South America. As a modern supplement, it has been sold in Europe since at least 2000 and in the United States since 2006 [1].
- Parrado C, Mascaraque M, Gilaberte Y, Juarranz A, Gonzalez S. 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;17(7):1026. doi:10.3390/ijms17071026. PMID: 27367679.
- Gonzalez S, Gilaberte Y, Philips N, Juarranz A. Fernblock, a nutriceutical with photoprotective properties and potential preventive agent for skin photoaging and photoinduced skin cancers. Int J Mol Sci. 2011;12(12):8466-8475. doi:10.3390/ijms12128466. PMID: 22272084.
- Middelkamp-Hup MA, Pathak MA, Parrado C, Goukassian D, Rius-Díaz F, Mihm MC, Fitzpatrick TB, González S. Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(6):910-918. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2004.06.027. PMID: 15583582.
- Nestor MS, Berman B, Swenson N. Safety and efficacy of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in healthy adult subjects. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(2):19-23.
- Kohli I, Shafi R, Isedeh P, Griffith JL, Al-Jamal MS, Silpa-archa N, Jackson B, Athar M, Kollias N, Elmets CA, Lim HW, Hamzavi IH. The impact of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract on ultraviolet B response: a human clinical study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(1):33-41.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.044. PMID: 28341348.
- Prado G, Winkelmann R, Del Rosso J, Rigel D. Clinical efficacy & safety of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract for photoprotection: a systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(4 Suppl 1):AB32. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.06.154.
- Anirva. Dermal Radiance Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/anti-aging-skin-supplement-dermal-radiance (accessed October 3, 2026).
- Seck S, Hamad J, Schalka S, Lim HW. Photoprotection in skin of color. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2023;22(2):441-456 (published online October 13, 2022). doi:10.1007/s43630-022-00314-z. PMID: 36227521.
