PODOPHYLLUM Meaning and
Definition
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Podophyllum is a noun that refers to a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Berberidaceae, commonly known as mayapples or mandrakes. These plants are native to North America and East Asia. The term can also specifically denote a particular species within this genus called Podophyllum peltatum, which is native to eastern North America.
The name "podophyllum" is derived from the Greek words "pous" meaning "foot" and "phyllon" meaning "leaf," which describes the shape of the plant's leaves that resemble a foot. The plant typically grows in moist woodland areas and features broad, palmately lobed leaves that appear similar to an umbrella. It produces a solitary white flower in spring, followed by a fleshy, yellowish or red-colored fruit resembling a small apple. However, it is important to note that the fruit is considered toxic and should not be consumed.
In traditional medicine, podophyllum has been used for its medicinal properties. The roots and rhizomes of the plant contain podophyllotoxin, a compound that possesses anti-tumor and antiviral properties. However, due to its toxicity and potential side effects, it is primarily used as a topical treatment for various skin conditions, including warts and certain viral infections. It is important to seek professional guidance and follow proper dosage instructions when using podophyllum-based treatments due to its potential toxicity.
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May-apple, vegetable calomel, the rhizome of Podophyllum peltatum, American mandrake, umbrella plant, duck's-foot; employed as a laxative in doses of gr. 5-8 (0.3-0.5).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PODOPHYLLUM
- oodophyllum
- lodophyllum
- -odophyllum
- 0odophyllum
- pidophyllum
- pkdophyllum
- pldophyllum
- ppdophyllum
- p0dophyllum
- p9dophyllum
- posophyllum
- poxophyllum
- pocophyllum
- pofophyllum
- porophyllum
- poeophyllum
- podiphyllum
- podkphyllum
- podlphyllum
- podpphyllum
Etymology of PODOPHYLLUM
The word "podophyllum" is derived from the Greek words "podos" meaning "foot" and "phullon" meaning "leaf". It refers to a plant with foot-shaped leaves, which is called Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as the Mayapple. The genus name "Podophyllum" was coined in the early 19th century by the Swedish botanist Peter Olof Swartz, who described the plant's unique leaf structure.
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