Scientific name  |  Podophyllum peltatum

Used part  |  Root

Known active compounds  |  podophyllotoxin, picropodophyllin 

Potential benefits in cosmetics  |  anti-fungal
Product name  |  Mayapple Root-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Podophyllum peltatum, mayapple or American mandrake, is native to eastern North America belonging to the barberry family (Berberidaceae). It is also known as umbrella plant or wild lemon, having one or two large umbrella-like leaves and a single, yellowish, lemon-like fruit. For centuries, mayapple has been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. For instance, its powdered roots were used to treat warts and tumorous growth on the skin. In addition, Native American tribes such as the Cherokee used mayapple as an anti-rheumatic, cathartic, dermatological aid, ear medicine, insecticide, and laxative.