Overview

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.



Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for

  • 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.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Podophyllum overview.

Dosing

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.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.