What specific lignan compound found primarily in the rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum dictates both its therapeutic value and significant toxicity?

Answer

podophyllotoxin (PPT)

The core significance of the American Mayapple, *Podophyllum peltatum*, in both traditional and modern medicine stems almost entirely from the presence of a specific lignan compound concentrated in its roots and rhizomes, which is identified as podophyllotoxin, often abbreviated as PPT. This compound is explicitly recognized as the main active chemical constituent of the plant material. Its presence is crucial because it simultaneously confers the plant’s potential therapeutic benefits, such as anti-cancer activity, and its significant inherent toxicity when improperly handled or administered. This powerful chemical entity is what modern science focuses on when considering the plant’s medicinal applications, distinguishing it from its physical parts or its historical classification as a purgative.

What specific lignan compound found primarily in the rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum dictates both its therapeutic value and significant toxicity?

Related Questions

What specific lignan compound found primarily in the rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum dictates both its therapeutic value and significant toxicity?Which FDA-approved chemotherapy drug is derived as a semi-synthetic medication using podophyllotoxin from the American Mayapple as its foundational precursor?How does the concentration of podophyllotoxin in the American Mayapple (P. peltatum) generally compare to that found in its close relative, the Himalayan Mayapple (P. hexandrum)?What dermatological condition was historically treated using concentrated topical extracts derived from the Mayapple root due to the presence of podophyllotoxin?Despite its fruit sometimes being consumed when fully ripe, which parts of the American Mayapple plant are considered poisonous year-round and hold the highest concentration of the active substance?Historically, due to its strong cathartic nature, for what specific intestinal issues was the American Mayapple traditionally employed by practitioners?What specific conditions must be met regarding the appearance of the American Mayapple fruit before it is considered safe for consumption?What is the characteristic appearance of the leaves of Podophyllum peltatum that emerge in the spring?Before its publication date regarding anti-cancer properties, what scientific organization confirmed that extracts from American Mayapple rhizomes and roots displayed anti-cancer activity in vitro?Which of the following names is listed as a common name for the American Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) that reflects historical perception or appearance?
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