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| For cutaneous inflammatory conditions |
| Samambaia was shown to inhibit the formation of various inflammatory compounds. Topical application of samambaia may help maintain a healthy skin. (Lluvia Deep Nourishing Oil™ & Replenishing Moisturizer™) |
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| For protection against photo-aging |
| Samambaia was shown in various studies to prevent damages induced by exposure to sunlight. Apply extracts of samambaia daily before exposure to sunlight. (Lluvia Deep Nourishing Oil™ & Replenishing Moisturizer™) |
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 Samambaia is a fern that grows in the rainforests of South America as well as drier tropical forests in Latin America. Samambaia also grows in other tropical areas such as New Zealand and Central Asia. The scientific name “polypodium” means “many foot,” which describes the shape of its foot-like branching roots or rhizomes. Polypodium is a large family of ferns known to have various applications in folk medicine. The species leucotomos (also classified as Polypodium aureum) has been most widely used, especially in Brazil and Honduras.
The plant historically has been used by the indigenous peoples of Honduras for skin problems such as psoriasis and inflammatory conditions. Elsewhere in the Amazonian jungle, a maceration of samambaia root is used to treat fever, coughing, and a series of inflammatory conditions. It is reported that the ancient Mayans used samambaia as part of their daily diet in the form of tea as a blood purifier. They attributed healing properties to the drink and up until today the drink is still popular in Honduran tradition.
The anti-inflammatory effect of samambaia has been confirmed in various in vitro studies. Samambaia was shown to inhibit the formation of oxidative free radicals and inflammatory cytokines. However, most of the scientific work done with samambaia pertains to its protective effect against oxidative damage to the skin triggered by exposure to UV light.  Many studies have been published describing how extracts of samambaia taken orally or in topical application prevented UV-induced damages to the skin. In one study, samambaia prevented the development of elastotic material, reduction in collagen, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases, which are typical signs of UV-induced skin aging. In another study, oral and topical application of samambaia extracts increased the dose necessary to trigger UV-induced skin darkening and erythema, indicating an ability to prevent sunburn. In one study including 495 patients suffering from psoriasis, samambaia extracts taken orally or applied topically improved skin condition by 80% to 100% in more than 60% of the patients.
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