Evidence supporting the use of: Polypodium
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Polypodium (notably Polypodium leucotomos) has a history of traditional use for various skin conditions, particularly in South American and Central American traditional medicine. It has been used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo, and is sometimes employed in folk medicine for skin infections, though this latter use is less clearly documented. The primary rationale in traditional use has been its perceived anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, while some modern scientific studies have explored Polypodium leucotomos for its photoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects—especially in protecting the skin from UV-induced damage—there is limited direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy specifically for treating skin infections. Most research has focused on its role in managing inflammatory skin disorders rather than infections of bacterial, viral, or fungal origin. Thus, while there is a basis in traditional medicine for using Polypodium in skin health, the evidence for its use in infections is weak and not well substantiated by current clinical studies. The rating reflects the existence of some traditional use but highlights the lack of robust scientific validation for treating skin infections specifically.

More about Polypodium
More about Skin (infections)

Products containing Polypodium

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