Kalawalla (calaguala fern)
Polypodium leucotomos
Herbs & Roots. Dr. Sebi's list and Latin American & Amazon.
Also called Calaguala, Calahuala, Calaguala fern
Spanish: Calahuala
Few long-term safety dataA tropical fern whose extract is sold as an oral sun-protection aid. Its folk use is old, but its modern use rests on small trials of skin protection.
Did you know? Some sun products are sold as oral sunscreens made from this fern. They are studied as an add-on to sunscreen, not a replacement.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Skin. Small human trials, about 5 to 61 people each, suggest it raises the light dose needed to redden skin. It works as an add-on to sunscreen.Early proof
- Inflammation. Lab studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Human data are limited.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Calaguala has long been a folk remedy in Latin America. Its modern use comes from extracts studied for skin protection in people.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Taken as a capsule of extract, usually alongside sunscreen in studies. Doses in trials vary and products differ, so follow the label and ask a clinician.
Capsule.
Where to get it
A fern from tropical America. Its extract is made into capsules and sold as an oral sun-protection product. Other ferns also go by calaguala, so check the species on the label.
Be careful
Few side effects were reported in the small trials. Long-term safety and safety in pregnancy are not established. Stomach upset is possible.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding.
Mixing with other things
No specific mixing notes on file. That doesn't prove it's safe with everything; ask a pharmacist about your full list.
The honest take
The extract has the best human data of the calaguala products, with small trials on sunburn and skin redness. It is an add-on to sunscreen, not a replacement. Calaguala as a folk root has no good evidence.