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Polypodium Vulgare

Also known as: Polypodium vulgare L., Common polypody, Polypody fern, Polypodium vulgare

Overview

Polypodium vulgare, commonly known as common polypody or polypody fern, is a fern species whose rhizome has been traditionally used in various folk medicine systems, including Unani medicine. It is used as an herbal supplement with purported neuro-psychopharmacological, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticonvulsant properties. Modern pharmacological studies have started to validate some of these traditional uses, but research remains limited and mostly preclinical or small-scale clinical. The active compounds are extracted from the rhizome. The quality of available evidence ranges from animal studies to a few human RCTs, with systematic reviews highlighting potential but inconclusive benefits. Further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety.

Benefits

Polypodium vulgare has shown potential benefits, primarily in preclinical studies. Animal studies suggest anticonvulsant activity, where hydroalcoholic extracts reduce seizure intensity and delay onset in PTZ-induced epilepsy models. A 300 mg/kg dose outperformed both higher doses and standard anticonvulsants in some measures. Traditional use and some pharmacological studies suggest neuro-psychopharmacological effects, potentially benefiting neurological conditions like epilepsy and depression, supported by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Secondary effects include anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and some studies report antiviral and hypotensive activities, though these are less well-characterized clinically. Most research is preclinical, and human data are limited.

How it works

The anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of Polypodium vulgare are likely mediated through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation implicated in seizure pathophysiology. Specific molecular targets are not fully elucidated but may involve modulation of neurotransmitter systems and mitochondrial function, as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Data on human pharmacokinetics are lacking; animal studies use hydroalcoholic extracts administered orally or intraperitoneally. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action in humans.

Side effects

The overall safety profile of Polypodium vulgare is not well-established due to limited data. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but rigorous safety studies are lacking. Common side effects are not well documented, and no significant adverse effects were reported in animal studies at effective doses. Uncommon or rare side effects are unknown due to limited clinical data. Potential interactions with anticonvulsants and other neuroactive drugs are plausible but unstudied. Contraindications are not established. There is no data on use in pregnancy, lactation, children, or the elderly. Due to the limited safety data, caution is advised when considering Polypodium vulgare supplementation.

Dosage

In animal models, a 300 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Polypodium vulgare showed efficacy in epilepsy models. Optimal dosage ranges for humans are not established. The maximum safe dose is not defined. Acute administration showed effects in animal models; chronic dosing regimens are unstudied. Studies have used hydroalcoholic extracts. Information on absorption factors and cofactors is unknown. Due to the lack of human data, it is not possible to provide specific dosage recommendations for Polypodium vulgare. Further research is needed to determine safe and effective dosages for human use.

FAQs

Is Polypodium vulgare effective for epilepsy?

Animal studies show promising anticonvulsant effects, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Is it safe?

Traditional use suggests safety, but clinical safety data are insufficient to make definitive conclusions.

How long until effects appear?

In animal models, effects were observed shortly after dosing, but human data are lacking.

Can it replace standard anticonvulsants?

No, current evidence is insufficient to recommend replacing standard anticonvulsants with Polypodium vulgare.

Are there other uses?

Potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective effects are reported but need confirmation through further research.

Research Sources

https://archepilepsy.org/pdf/90a4190a-90d9-41a4-a9c9-d78d3fa8efda/articles/ArchEpilepsy.2024.24134/104-109.pdf – This controlled animal study compared different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of Polypodium vulgare with sodium valproate in PTZ-induced epilepsy. The study found that a 300 mg/kg dose of the extract reduced seizure intensity and delayed onset more effectively than a 500 mg/kg dose and sodium valproate, suggesting a potential anticonvulsant effect. The study is limited by its animal model and lack of human data.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2022/3599246 – This systematic review examined RCTs on herbal supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including Polypodium vulgare. The review found that herbal medicines with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties showed neuro-psycho-pharmacological activity. However, the specific effects of Polypodium vulgare require further research due to the heterogeneity of studies and indirect evidence.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/98ac/8669a82e3ab1aaa29202413c0988f9f908fd.pdf – This ethnopharmacological review examined the traditional uses and modern pharmacology of Polypodium vulgare. It confirms traditional use for conditions like epilepsy and inflammation, and modern studies support antiviral, antipyretic, analgesic, and neuro-psychopharmacological activities. The review is limited by its reliance on mostly preclinical data and a lack of large-scale clinical trials.
https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/4wgmeRG4/ – This research likely explores the use of Polypodium vulgare within the context of Iranian folk medicine. Further details would be needed to provide a more specific summary of its findings, but it likely contributes to the understanding of traditional applications of the herb.
https://www.science.gov/topicpages/i/iranian+folk+medicine.html – This page provides general information about Iranian folk medicine. It may contain information related to the traditional uses of Polypodium vulgare, but further investigation is needed to determine the specific details.