Compound Monograph
Podophyllotoxin
Podophyllotoxin is a toxic plant lignan from mayapple used topically for warts and as the starting material for anticancer drugs.
Where Does It Come From? (2)
Podophyllotoxin is a naturally occurring lignan, found in Mayapple and Himalayan mayapple. It is flagged as toxic.
Research & Evidence
Podophyllotoxin is a lignan obtained from the rhizomes of mayapple and related Podophyllum species. It binds tubulin and arrests cell division, which makes it cytotoxic and antiviral. Medicinally, purified podophyllotoxin (podofilox) is applied topically to treat genital warts, and it is the chemical starting point for the semi-synthetic anticancer drugs etoposide and teniposide.
Toxicity & Safety
Podophyllotoxin is genuinely toxic and is not taken internally as a folk remedy; systemic absorption can cause severe gastrointestinal, blood and neurological toxicity. Even topical use is limited to defined areas of skin under medical direction, and it is contraindicated in pregnancy.