Podophyllum
Podophyllum
Podophyllum (pronunciation: /ˌpoʊdəˈfaɪləm/) is a genus of perennial plants in the family Berberidaceae, commonly known as Mayapples.
Etymology
The term "Podophyllum" is derived from the Greek words "pous" or "podos" meaning "foot" and "phyllon" meaning "leaf". This refers to the shape of the plant's leaves which resemble a foot.
Description
Podophyllum plants are characterized by their umbrella-like leaves and small, white flowers. They are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in North America and Asia. The plants are known for their medicinal properties, particularly the species Podophyllum peltatum and Podophyllum hexandrum.
Medicinal Use
The roots and rhizomes of Podophyllum plants are used in traditional medicine. They contain podophyllin, a resin that has been used to treat various conditions such as warts and skin lesions. However, due to its potential toxicity, it should only be used under medical supervision.
Related Terms
- Podophyllin: A resin obtained from the roots of Podophyllum plants.
- Podophyllotoxin: A toxic compound found in Podophyllum plants that has been used in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
- Berberidaceae: The plant family to which Podophyllum belongs.
- Mayapple: A common name for Podophyllum plants.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Podophyllum
- Wikipedia's article - Podophyllum
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