American Mandrake
Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as mayapple or mandrake, is a traditional medicinal plant native to North America. It has been used in Native American and folk medicine for various purposes, though specific uses are not well-documented. Scientific studies have explored its biochemistry, revealing that carbon usage varies throughout the growing season and that podophyllotoxin, one of its active compounds, shows potential as an anticancer agent. Research also indicates a pathway for sustainable production of etoposide from yatein, which is derived from Podophyllum species. Notably, there are no significant safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with this plant, though further research is ongoing to fully understand its properties and applications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that carbon fixed at different times in the growing season is used differently and there is limited redistribution between seasons in Podophyllum peltatum, affecting its demography.
- The study evaluated micelles loaded with podophyllotoxin or juniper extracts for potential use as anticancer drug carriers.
- This study established an efficient yeast-based pathway for producing (-)-4'-desmethyl-epipodophyllotoxin, an intermediate in etoposide synthesis.
- The study successfully cloned and analyzed the key gene ShOMT3 involved in podophyllotoxin biosynthesis in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum.
Frequently asked questions
What is American Mandrake?
American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about American Mandrake?
4 sourced findings are recorded for American Mandrake; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that carbon fixed at different times in the growing season is used differently and there is limited redistribution between seasons in Podophyllum peltatum, affecting its demography.
How strong is the evidence for American Mandrake?
The strongest finding for American Mandrake carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is American Mandrake safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for American Mandrake in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does American Mandrake interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for American Mandrake in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of American Mandrake?
American Mandrake is also known as: Подофилл щитовидный, Podophylle pelté.
Is American Mandrake a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Polycarbonate-Based Copolymer Micelles as Biodegradable Carriers of Anticancer Podophyllotoxin or Juniper Extracts. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Interactions between developmental phenology, carbon movement, and storage constrain demography in the understory clonal herb Podophyllum peltatum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of key gene ShOMT3 of podophyllotoxin biosynthesis pathway in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A yeast-based platform for etoposide production via yatein bioconversion. literature abstract metadata