Podophyllum (Podophyllum hexandrum) is a plant. The entire plant is poisonous except for the ripe fruit. The plant resin (podophyllin) is used on the skin.
The podophyllum resin comes from the plant rhizome (root). It contains antioxidants and also toxic chemicals.
People use the podophyllum resin (podophyllin) for the removal of warts, including plantar warts and genital warts, and corns. It is also used for white patches on the tongue in people with weakened immune systems (hairy leukoplakia), and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Don't confuse podophyllum with European mandrake or bryonia. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- A sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts or cancer (human papillomavirus or HPV). Applying podophyllum resin (podophyllin) to the skin is effective for removing genital warts.
There is interest in using podophyllum for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Podophyllum is likely unsafe. It is poisonous and may cause serious side effects, including death.
When applied to the skin: Podophyllum resin (podophyllin) is possibly safe when used short-term. But it is likely unsafe when applied in high doses, to large areas, or to damaged skin. Applying it to broken skin can lead to poisoning. Podophyllotoxin (podofilox, Condylox), a chemical found in podophyllum, is less toxic and seems to work better than podophyllum resin, so it's often used instead.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Podophyllum is likely unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding. There have been reports of death and multiple birth defects. Avoid use.
It is not known if Podophyllum interacts with any medicines. Before taking Podophyllum, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of podophyllum might be. Taking podophyllum by mouth is unsafe and can lead to poisoning. Speak with a healthcare provider before applying any podophyllum products to the skin.
American Mandrake, Citron Sauvage, Citronnier, Devil's Apple, Duck's Foot, Ground Lemon, Himalayan Mayapple, Hog Apple, Indian Apple, Indian Podophyllum, Ipécacuanha de la Caroline, Mandrake, Mayapple, Pa Giao Lian, Pied de Canard, Podófilo, Podophyllin, Podophyll Pelati Rhizoma/Resina, Podophylle, Podophylle en Bouclier, Podophylle à Feuilles Peltées, Podophylle Indien, Podophylle Pelté, Podophyllum emodi, Podophyllum hexandrum, Podophyllum peltatum, Pomme de Mai, Raccoon Berry, Sinopodophyllum emodi, Umbrella Plant, Vegetable Calomel, Vegetable Mercury, Wild Lemon, Wild Mandrake.
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