From the Guidelines
Heliocare, or Polypodium leucotomos extract, is used to protect against photochemical damage and potentially decrease long-term carcinogenesis.
Key Points
- The extract is mentioned as an agent that may protect against PUVA-induced photochemical damage 1
- It is suggested that Polypodium leucotomos extract may decrease long-term carcinogenesis, particularly in the context of psoralen-ultraviolet A therapy 1
- Other agents like green tea are also mentioned as having a potential protective effect against photochemical damage 1
- The use of Heliocare is not explicitly stated as a treatment for any specific condition, but rather as a potential protective measure against the harmful effects of certain therapies, such as PUVA.
Relevance to Real-Life Clinical Medicine
In real-life clinical practice, Heliocare may be considered as a supplementary protective measure for patients undergoing PUVA therapy, particularly those with a history of skin cancer or other risk factors. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
From the Research
Heliocare (Polypodium leucotomos extract) Uses
Heliocare, also known as Polypodium leucotomos extract, has several uses, including:
- Photoprotection: It has been shown to prevent acute sunburn and psoralen-induced phototoxic reactions, as well as depletion of Langerhans cells in human skin 2
- Prevention of photoaging and photocarcinogenesis: It has been found to inhibit generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by UV, prevent damage to the DNA, and protect endogenous skin natural antioxidant systems 3
- Treatment of skin diseases: It has been used to treat skin diseases such as photodermatoses, photoaggravated inflammatory conditions, and pigmentary disorders 4
- Vitiligo treatment: It has been found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of vitiligo 2
- Melasma treatment: It has been found to have a clinically significant role in the treatment of melasma 5
- Polymorphic light eruption treatment: It has been found to have a clinically significant role in the treatment of polymorphic light eruption 5
- Symptomatic relief in atopic dermatitis: It has been found to have supporting evidence for its use in symptomatic relief in atopic dermatitis 5
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of Heliocare includes:
- Antioxidant activity: It has been found to have strong antioxidative properties, with its major phenolic components, including ferulic and caffeic acids, being powerful antioxidants 6
- Inhibition of ROS production: It has been found to inhibit generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by UV 3
- Protection of DNA: It has been found to prevent damage to the DNA 3
- Protection of endogenous skin natural antioxidant systems: It has been found to protect endogenous skin natural antioxidant systems, including CAT, GSH, and GSSR 3