Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation Containing Red Orange and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts on UVB-Induced Skin Responses: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Kersmanc P
Published in Nutrients
Methodology
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 54 fair-skinned participants (Fitzpatrick phototypes I-III) taking an 8-week syrup supplement of Polypodium leucotomos extract, red orange extract and vitamins A, C, D and E; minimal erythema dose, UVB-induced erythema (delta a*) and pigmentation change (delta melanin index) measured at baseline, 2 weeks and 8 weeks.
Key Findings
Fifty-four fair-skinned adults (phototypes I-III) were randomised 27 and 27 to a syrup containing Polypodium leucotomos extract, red orange extract and vitamins A, C, D and E, or placebo, for 8 weeks. Changes were not significant at 2 weeks, but by week 8 the supplement group showed a 23.8% rise in minimal erythema dose (0.447 to 0.553 J/cm2, p < 0.05) and a 46.2% reduction in UVB-induced redness (2.40 to 1.29 arbitrary units, p < 0.0001). Pigmentation change did not differ from placebo, so the tanning response was unaffected. The authors position this as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, topical sun protection.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that supplementation with PLE, ROE, and vitamins A, C, D, and E provides systemic photoprotection by enhancing UV tolerance and reducing erythema without affecting tanning response.
Limitations
Only 27 people per group over 8 weeks, using laboratory UVB redness thresholds rather than real-world sun exposure or skin cancer outcomes; the study was funded by the supplement manufacturer Tosla d.o.o. and the multi-ingredient formula means no single component can be credited.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Funded by Tosla d.o.o.; the authors state the funder had no role in design, analysis, writing or the decision to publish.
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