Clinical Applications of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) - An Update

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana

Exposure to sun radiation increases the risk of sunburn, pigmentation disorders, immunosuppression, photoaging, and skin cancer. Beyond ultraviolet radiation, recent findings suggest infrared and visible light may contribute to the development of several related processes. Even after exposure ends, DNA damage can persist. For photoprotection, natural topical and oral agents are gaining attention. Fernblock®, a standardized aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos, has been used widely with a strong safety profile, including as an adjunct to photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses and field cancerization, and for various photodermatoses, photoaggravated inflammatory conditions, and pigmentary disorders.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages29

Reading Time1 h 13 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Photoprotection as first-line prevention

Limits of topical sunscreens

Oral systemic photoprotection and natural agents

Fernblock® and Polypodium leucotomos (PLE)

Phenolic composition and antioxidant relevance

life Review Clinical Applications of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock® ): An Update Azahara Rodr½guez-Luna 1,2, *, Alicia Zamarrân 3, 􀂁ngeles Juarranz 3 and Salvador Gonz¡lez 4 Citation: Rodríguez-Luna, A.; Zamarrón, A.; Juarranz, Á.; González, S. Clinical Applications of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®): An Update. Life 2023, 13, 1513. [https://doi.org/](https://doi.org/)[ ](https://doi.org/)[10.3390/life13071513](10.3390/life13071513) Academic Editor: Stefania Lamponi Received: 20 June 2023 Revised: 30 June 2023 Accepted: 3 July 2023 Published: 5 July 2023 Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . 1 Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28933 Alcorcân, Spain 2 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Autânoma University of Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain; [aliszm@gmail.com](aliszm@gmail.com) (A.Z.); angeles.juarranz@uam.es (􀂁 .J.) 4 Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Alcal¡ de Henares University, 28805 Madrid, Spain; [salvagonrod@gmail.com](salvagonrod@gmail.com) * Correspondence: [azahararodriguezluna@gmail.com](azahararodriguezluna@gmail.com) Abstract: Exposure to sun radiation leads to higher risk of sunburn, pigmentation, immunosuppression, photoaging and skin cancer. In addition to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), recent research indicates that infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (VIS) can play an important role in the pathogenesis of some of these processes. Detrimental effects associated with sun exposure are well known, but new studies have shown that DNA damage continues to occur long after exposure to solar radiation has ended. Regarding photoprotection strategies, natural substances are emerging for topical and oral photoprotection. In this sense, Fernblock®, a standardized aqueous extract of the fern Polypodium Leucotomos (PLE), has been widely administered both topically and orally with a strong safety proﬁle. Thus, this extract has been used extensively in clinical practice, including as a complement to photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating actinic keratoses (AKs) and ﬁeld cancerization. It has also been used to treat skin diseases such as photodermatoses, photoaggravated inﬂammatory conditions and pigmentary disorders. This review examines the most recent developments in the clinical application of Fernblock® and assesses how newly investigated action mechanisms may inﬂuence its clinical use. Keywords: Polypodium leucotomos; Fernblock®; photoprotection; photodermatoses; photoaging; hyperpigmentation 1. Introduction Photoprotection is the ﬁrst-line prevention strategy to avoid the development of skin cancer and premature aging. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) promotes skin cancer by inducing DNA damage, triggering inﬂammatory processes and causing immunosuppression and plays part in premature aging through alterations in extracellular matrix network andremodeling. Most of these detrimental effects are mainly mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the consequent oxidative stress. Adoption of speciﬁc behaviors (such as wearing protective clothes, hats and sunglasses, and avoiding excessive sun exposure) and the use of topical sunscreens are the most common measures to counteract the harmful effects of UVR. Although traditional sunscreens are a critical component in all photoprotective regimens, they have limitations (inadequate application and need for frequent reapplication, short half-life, lack of photostability and insufﬁcient protection against all wavelengths, amon

FAQs

What risks are associated with sun exposure, according to the abstract?

Sun exposure increases the risk of sunburn, pigmentation disorders, immunosuppression, photoaging, and skin cancer.

Besides ultraviolet radiation, what other light types may influence these processes?

Infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (VIS) are suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of some processes.

How is Fernblock® described in the abstract and what is it used for clinically?

Fernblock® is a standardized aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos with a strong safety profile. It is used topically and orally, including as a complement to photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses and field cancerization, and to treat photodermatoses and pigmentary disorders.

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana