Calahuala (polypodium SPP)

Several species of ferns from the Polypodium genus are known under the generic name "Calahuala. " These ferns grow in many tropical places all over the world and the rhizomes or leaves are empirically used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Polypodium genus has been the object of scientific interest especially for the properties shown by its extracts in preventing the harmful effects of UV radiation and the effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis and skin problems; however, many of other biological properties remain scientifically undocumented. The objective of this chapter is to provide a general overview of the Polypodium genus and its reported beneficial properties to human health. We also highlight some of its biological properties such as the tumor inhibition that needs to be supported with scientific evidence. © 2020 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

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