Heliocare Oral is a dietary supplement, with natural antioxidants, it is the first oral photoprotectant with not only clinically but also microscopically proven action against UV-induced damage. Heliocare works to increase tolerance to the sun, reduce skin changes after chronic exposure to the sun, maintain skin's elasticity. It also provides cell protection in the epidermis and protects skin cell DNA. Active Ingredient: Heliocare is a capsule that contains Green tea extract. Beta-carotene and an extract of the Polypodium leucotomos (a kind of fern). Polypodium leucotomos extract comes from a tropical fern plant grown in Central and South America. Native Americans have used the plant extract for centuries for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and skin diseases. Recently, clinical research has shown that it has antioxidant and photoprotective properties and taken orally provides protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other sources. Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) is currently marketed as Heliocare®. It is combined with two other antioxidants, green tea extract and beta-carotene. To gain a better understanding of how PLE works, you need to understand the effects of UV radiation on the body. The mechanism of action of PLE is fairly complex but has been summarized into the following main points: PLE acts as a scavenger to mop up free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxide anions (these high energy molecules cause direct cell damage and have long been associated with all types of cancer) PLE inhibits the depletion of Langerhans cells PLE reduces the number of sunburn cells PLE protects DNA by inhibiting the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (cancer-causing cells) induced by UVB radiation PLE preserves skin tissue structure by inhibiting the infiltration of mast cells into skin (mast cells release chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness and itching) The recommended dose of Heliocare is one capsule taken daily. It is rapidly absorbed and provides early protection that lasts up to 2 hours after administration, against the initial signs of sunburn, ie: erythema reaction. However, its photoprotective effect extends beyond just decreasing the erythema reaction. The antioxidant properties of orally administered PLE work at protecting the skin at a deeper cellular level which is not achieved with topically applied antioxidants. Purpose: It is well known that sun exposure causes premature aging (wrinkles or fines lines) and hyperpigmentation (brown spots or age spots) In fact, we actually log most of the sun damage in our everyday life - just by walking to work, driving the car or just running errands out in the open. Excessive exposure raises the risk of skin cancer, which according to the World Health Organisation, is the most common cancer among humans and has increase over the last few years. THE ABCs OF ULTRAVIOLET RAYS UVA, UVB and UVC are different types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that are given off by the sun. UVC is absorbed by the earth's ozone layer and rarely reaches the earth's surface unlike UVA and UVB. UVB is commonly associated with sunburn while UVA, which penetrates deeply into the skin is a significant factor in premature aging and skin cancer.

PLE supplements have been used over the last 20 years in Europe without any side effects being reported. There are no known side effects associated with Heliocare taken as a dietary supplement. Warning: Do not use during pregnancy. Not to be taken while on digoxin, or any other medicines used to treat heart failure.