Eyes, skin and hair
Polypodium leucotomos
Also called: heliocare, fern extract
A fern extract sold for sun protection.
- Why people take it
- Sun sensitivity.
- What the evidence says
- Small studies only. It does not replace sunscreen.
- How it is usually taken
- Usually 240 to 480 mg before sun exposure; it does not replace sunscreen.
- Be careful
- Generally safe.
- Medicines it can interact with
- No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Other eyes, skin and hair
Common questions
What is Polypodium leucotomos?
A fern extract sold for sun protection.
Why do people take Polypodium leucotomos?
Sun sensitivity.
Does Polypodium leucotomos work?
Small studies only. It does not replace sunscreen.
How much Polypodium leucotomos do people take?
Usually 240 to 480 mg before sun exposure; it does not replace sunscreen.
Is Polypodium leucotomos safe?
Generally safe.
Does Polypodium leucotomos interact with medicines?
No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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