Scientific name
Podophyllum peltatum
Family
Berberidaceae
Origin
North America
Used Parts
Drug consisting of rhizomes with roots
Chemical constituents
- Resin called podophyllin (podophyllotoxin, picropodophylline, peltatin, flavonoids).
Podophyll in Herbalist: Properties of the Podophyll
The powder obtained from the resin was used for purgative purposes, but also for the treatment of gout, arthritis and bronchitis, with an inflammatory and irritating action against skin and mucous membranes.
Today, the plant is mainly appreciated for the properties of the single active principles, in particular for the antimitotic activity, against condylomata acuminata (dermatological use): just for this purpose it is available as a registered drug. From podophyllin, in particular from podophyllotoxin, etoposide and teniposide, antitumor drugs used in chemotherapy, are obtained by hemisynthesis.
Contraindications
Avoid taking the podofillo in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological Interactions
- cooking salt: it increases the laxative effect;
- plants such as lobelia, ipeca, belladonna: they reduce the laxative effects.
