PODOPHYLLUM RESIN

Absorption

Oral absorption: Podophyllum is very well and rapidly absorbed after ingestion. Dermal absorption: systemic poisoning was reported after topical application in some cases. Symptoms were delayed between 2-24 hr.

Toxicity

While podophyllin, the herbal extract from which podophyllotoxin is derived, can cause enteritis and potentially fatal CNS depression, podophyllotoxin has been shown to be safe, with minimal toxicity even in large doses. Application can be immediately followed by burning or itching. Small sores, itching and peeling skin can also follow.

Chemical properties

light yellow to brown powder

The Uses of PODOPHYLLUM RESIN

antiallergic

The Uses of PODOPHYLLUM RESIN

Common and plantar warts. Skin carcinomas, in various cancer treatments

The Uses of PODOPHYLLUM RESIN

Podophyllin is a resin extracted from the root of the plant Podophyllum sp. Berberidaceae (mandrake), which contains numerous compounds, among which podophyllotoxin.

Background

Podophyllin is a resin extracted from the roots of Podophyllum peltatum (American mandrake) and Podophyllum emodi, which contains numerous compounds, amongst which is podophyllin (as well as the drug podophyllotoxin). Podophyllin is the principal active component. Podophyllin arrests mitosis in metaphase.

Indications

25% podophyllin (in benzoin tincture) is indicated for the removal of soft genital (venereal) warts (condylomata acuminata).

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It is a product which may contain resin acids and their esters, terpenes, and oxidation or polymerization products of these terpenes. (Podophyllum pelalatum, Berberidaceae).

Indications

Podophyllin in a 10% to 25% suspension in a tincture of benzoin or alcohol can be used with success. Since this compound contains two mutagens, quercetin and kaempherol, it should used with caution in the physician’s office. It should stay on for 1 to 4 hours and be applied every week for 4 to 6 weeks. Podofilox (0.05 mL of 5%) is safer than podophyllin and should be self-applied twice a day for 3 days followed by 4 rest days to complete a treatment cycle. Topical 0.5% podophyllotoxin cream has been used b.i.d. for 3 consecutive days for a maximum of 4 weeks with clearance in 54% of patients. Podophyllum resin (podophyllin), or podofilox, a cytotoxic agent that arrests mitosis in metaphase, is used primarily for treatment of condyloma acuminata but may also be used on all other types of warts. Although now rarely available, a 25% preparation of podophyllum in compound tincture of benzoin should be applied overnight when treating common nongenital warts. A more commonly available preparation, podofilox 0.5% gel (Condylox), should be applied twice a day for 3 days, then discontinued for 4 consecutive days. The same cycle is continued until eradication of the lesions. The effectiveness as well as the irritant potential of this medication may be increased by covering with adhesive tape or plastic tape (Blenderm).

brand name

Biliboldo;Bon korets;Condilomin;Condyline;Dermacytostat;Podofilm;Salicylin-p;Vericap;Wartec;Warticon;Wartkil;Wart-off.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Podophyllum resin, which is extracted from Indian podophyllum, is highly irritant to the skin and mucous membranes and its use in purgatives is now obsolescent. However, topical preparations remain available for the treatment of venereal and other warts and the drug is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Drugs for this purpose. Podophyllin extracts have been demonstrated to have a teratogenic potential which has led to their withdrawal in some countries and restriction of use in others. They are best avoided during pregnancy. (Reference: (WHTAC1) The Use of Essential Drugs, 2nd Report of the WHO Expert Committee, 722, , 1985)

General Description

Podophyllin is an alcoholic plant extract, obtained from the dried rhizome and roots of?Podoplryllui emodi. It is a powder with colors varying from light brown to greenish-yellow and exposure to heat or light turns it darker.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Podophyllin is used to treat condylomata acuminate, a type of venereal warts. It exhibit several biological functions and is mainly used in the treatment of constipation, hepatic disorder and rheumatic arthritis.

Mechanism of action

Podophyllum resin (podophyllin) is a chemically complex extract obtained from the roots of either of the two plants: Podophyllum peltatum (American) or Podophyllum emodi (Indian) (also called Mandrake or May-apple). Podofilox is the most cytotoxic ingredient in podophyllum resin (present in concentrations of 15% to 20% in P. peltatum and 30% to 40% in P. emodi resins) and exerts its effect by binding to intracellular microtubular proteins and thereby preventing the development of the mitotic spindle. In vitro, podophyllum also inhibits RNA synthesis. Podophyllum is used in the treatment of condyloma acuminata and other warts.

Pharmacokinetics

Cell division is arrested and other cellular processes are impaired, gradually resulting in the disruption of cells and destruction of the tissue.

Side Effects

Podophyllin can cause severe irritation and, if absorbed in large quantities, may produce systemic toxic effects. It is inadvisable to apply it in large amounts to mucous membranes, and it is unwise to use it in pregnant women because of its possible cytotoxic action on the fetus.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal routes. An irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Questionable carcinogen with experimental neoplastigenic data. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. Combustible when exposed to heat or flames. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Metabolism

No data available.