polypody

Polypody is the common name of Polypodium vulgare, an evergreen fern that is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Africa and Eastern Asia.

The rhizomes of the fern have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine systems in Europe, America, and Asia to treat a wide variety of ailments including liver and respiratory conditions. There is, however, no scientific evidence to back any of its uses. Polypody is marketed as an herbal supplement over the counter (OTC). Polypody has also been used as a sweetener in foods.

Polypody rhizome has a cloyingly sweetish and astringent taste and an acrid aftertaste. The polypody rhizome is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic, analgesic, digestive, and laxative properties. Studies indicate the medicinal effects of polypody may be from the bioactive substance it contains, which includes tannins, organic acids, fatty acids, volatile oils, sugars, polypodins, and saponins such as osladin.

The suggested uses of polypody include:

• Cough
• Cold
• Bronchitis
• Fluid around the lungs (pleurisy)
• Liver ailments
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
• Digestive aid
• Appetite stimulant
• Laxative
• Diuretic
• Worms
• High blood pressure
• Pain relief
• Wound healing
• Fever
• Anticonvulsant
• Tuberculosis
• Gonorrhea

Warnings

• Do not take polypody if you are hypersensitive to any component of the product.
• Contact with polypody leaves can cause a rash.

Polypody has not been found to have any serious side effects. Rare side effects include:

• Mild laxative effect
• Rash from contact with leaves

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There isn’t adequate scientific information on what might be an appropriate dose of polypody. Check the product label.

Suggested dosing:

• Rhizome powder: 6-10 g
• Rhizome decoction: 10-15 g

Not recommended for use by children below 12 years.

Overdose

• There are no data available on polypody overdose.
• Polypody overdose may cause nausea and prolonged use may affect the kidney and the liver.
• Overdose treatment may be symptomatic and supportive.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Polypody has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There is no information on the safety of polypody use in pregnant or nursing women. Avoid polypody if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not take any herbal supplement, including polypody, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Polypody is possibly safe for most adults, for a short period.
• Take polypody exactly as per label instructions. Natural products are not necessarily safe always and following suggested dosing is important.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement, including polypody, particularly if you have any health conditions or taking regular medications.
• Herbal products often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the polypody product you choose.
• Polypody is marketed as an herbal supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store polypody safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.