Podophyllum peltatum (American mandrake). Also known as 'May apple'.
- Sue Snell
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Description
As in N0021568C - 69C. Shows stem with leaves and single small white flower with yellow centre. Contains podophyllin and podophyllotoxin which are irritating to skin and mucous membranes and may cause damage to the central nervous system if ingested. Also a violent purgative. Solutions containing podophyllin have been used as a paint for treating warts, skin neoplasms, and senile keratoses. A semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin is Etoposide which exhibits antitumor activity and is used as a first class cancer chemotherapy drug. The plant is not related to the European Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).