Description

Perennial plant growing to 16 in (40 cm). Has a forked stem, two deeply lobed umbrella-like leaves, white flowers, and small yellow fruit.

Habitat & Cultivation

American mandrake is native to northeastern North America. It is commonly found in damp woodland and pastureland. The rhizome is unearthed in autumn.

Part Used

Rhizome.

Constituents

The rhizome of American mandrake contains lignans (especially podophyllotoxin), flavonoids, resin, and gums. The lignans are responsible for the rhizome’s purgative action.

History & Folklore

American mandrake was much used as a purgative, emetic, and worm-expelling herb by Native Americans. In the U.S. in the 19th century, both herbal and conventional medical practitioners regarded the plant as the safest and most readily available purge.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Despite 19th-century beliefs in its safety, American mandrake is no longer taken internally on account of its cytotoxic (cell-killing) action. However, applied externally as a poultice, lotion, or ointment, the root can be an effective treatment for all kinds of warts.

Research

The lignans in American mandrake—podophyllotoxin in particular—act against tumors and have been extensively researched for their anticancer potential. Semisynthetic derivatives of podophyllotoxin appear to be the most promising, having minimal toxicity.

Related Species

The Himalayan P. hexandrum may have similar actions.

Cautions

Do not take internally. The plant is subject to legal restrictions in most countries.