Latin, Podophyllum

Eng., Podophyllum. Synonyms, May Apple, Mandrake. The dried rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum.

Official Preparations.

Fluidextractum Podophylli

Eng., Fluidextract of Podophyllum. Average Dose.-8 minims (0.5 mil).

Resina Podophylli

Eng., Resin of Podophyllum. Synonym, Podo-phyllin.

Form

A yellowish powder.

Odor And Taste

Slight odor and bitter taste.

Solubility

Insoluble in water. Soluble in alcohol.

1 Stelwagon: Diseases of the Skin.

2 White and Martin: Genito-urinary and Venereal Diseases.

3 Ibid.

Average Dose

1/16 grain (0.01 Gm.).

The words Podophyllin and Podophyllum should not be confused, as one is many times stronger than the other. The synonym is unfortunate.

Podophyllum is sometimes known as Mandrake, but is not the Mandrake (Mandragora) of medical history.

Therapeutic Action

Drastic purgative, said to be chola-gogue.

Uses

Podophyllum, or more commonly the resin, is used to produce purgation, particularly when there are evidences of deficient bile. As its taste, odor and action are rather unpleasant, its usefulness is questionable.

Administration

The Resin of Podophyllum is the preparation most frequently used. It is seldom employed alone, as when given in sufficient doses it is apt to produce nausea and griping. It is often ordered in small doses with other agents to increase their purgative action.

In a purgative combination:

M. ft. cap. no. iv. Sig.-One every hour.

In the treatment of constipation:

M. ft. cap. no. xx. Sig.-One at bedtime.

As a laxative:

M. ft. cap. no. x. Sig.-One at bedtime.

1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology. 2 Ibid.