Podophyllum peltatum, more commonly known as the mayapple, belongs to the family Berberidaceae (Barberry). Its name is derived from its structure and literally means "foot leaf plant with umbrella-shaped leaves". A young mayapple resembles an umbrella because of its single stem with one or two large, rounded leaves trailing down, while an older mayapple usually consists of a single stem that branches into two, each with one or two large, rounded leaves trailing down, and a flower growing in the fork with a thin stalk and 6-9 white petals. This plant is a native to Northern American woods.
This plant produces podophllyotoxin, a resin, throughout the entire plant but especially in the rhizome (Moraes, et al, 2000). It is produced as a form of protection from insects and other herbivores (Becker 2000, Henderson 2000). When ingested causes gastroenteritis or even death in humans. Edema (swelling) and eventual deterioration of the spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex have been reported in rats treated with various amounts of the toxin (Chang, et al, 1992). Toxicities of other organs (although not specifically mentioned) have been documented (Chang, et al, 1992).
Historically, this plant was widely used as a Chinese herbal medicine because it is a wild Asian plant (Becker, 2000). It was used to treat snakebites, general weakness, poisons, condyloma accuminata, lymphadenopathy, and certain tumors (Chang, et al, 1992). It was also used by the Penobscot Indians to treat cancer (Duke, 1995). In the early 19th century, it was used as a laxative, a liver cleanser, and a treatment for syphilis (Cures from the Earth 1991, Chang, et al 1992).
Since 1940, it has been used topically for various skin alignments including venereal warts (Cures from the Earth 1991, Chang, et al 1992). Podofilox (derived from the mayapple) is the active ingredient in the first prescription drug approved by the FDA that allows patients to treat themselves for venereal warts (Medication for Genital Warts, 1991). The extract of the plant has also been effective in treating measles and herpes simplex type I virus by inhibiting replication (Bedows, 1982). Nine out of ten patients with oral hairy leukoplakia, which is a lesion and can be an early manifestation of the human immunodeficiency virus, have gone into remission after only two weeks of treatment with podophyllum resin (Lozada-Nur & Costa, 1992).
Chemical analysis of the mayapple reveals the presence of several lignans, which has been shown to have anti-cancer effects. The starting material of etoposide (Vepeside), an FDA approved cancer drug, is podophyllum and has been used to treat testicular cancer as well as small-cell lung cancer by inhibiting replication of cancer cells (Dickson 1995, Becker 2000, Henderson 2000). Scientists are using a new extraction method and intend to continue and perfect the use of the mayapple in anti-cancer drugs (Becker, 2000).
Anonymous. 1991. Cures from the Earth. American Horticulturist 70:11.
Anonymous. 1991. Feverfew, Mayapple, and Chinese Cucumber. American Horticulturist 70:4-5.
Anonymous. 1991. Medication for Genital Warts. FDA Consumer.9:25.
Becker, H. 2000. Mayapple's cancer-fighting precursor. Agricultural Researcher 48:9.
Bedows, E & GM Hatfield. 1982. An investigation of the antiviral activity of Podophyllum peltatum. J Nayt Prod 45:725-729.
Chang LW, CM Yang, CF Chen, & JF Deng. 1992. Experimental podophyllotoxin (bajiaolian) poisoning: I. Effects on the nervous system. Biomed Environ Sci 5:283-292.
Dickson, C. 1999. Mountain Healing. Mother Earth News 173:18-20.
Duke, J. 1995. Synergy in the Gardens. Organic Gardening 42:41-46.
Henderson, C.W. American Mayapple yields Anti-Cancer Extract. Cancer Weekly 8:24-25.
Lozada-Nur F & C Costa. 1992. Retrospective findings of the clinical benefits of podophyllum resin 25% sol on hairy leukoplakia. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 73:555-562.
Moraes, R., C. Burandt, M. Ganzera, X. Li, I. Khan, & C. Canel. 2000. The American mayapple revisited-Podophyllum peltatum: Still a potential cash crop? Economic Botany 54:471-476.
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