Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

In traditional medicine the whole plant, but especially the root, is cholagogue, cytostatic and purgative. The plant contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). It is, therefore, a possible treatment for cancer, and has been used especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
https://pfaf.org https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Podophyllum+hexandrum

Nomenclature

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is a synonym
Plants of the World online, Kew Science https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77137821-1 link

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested or the skin is contaminated causing severe vomiting and brain damage. It is genotoxic.
Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

Geographical distribution

  • Asia-Temperate, China
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, East Himalaya
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, India
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, West Himalaya

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle

Family: BERBERIDACEAE
Genus: Podophyllum
Species: hexandrum Royle
Distribution summary: Afghanistan, China, Indian Subcontinent
Habit: Perennial
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Plants in pots (POT)
Flowering months: May, June, July
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic


Back to List