Common Name: |
Wild Lemon |
Other Names: |
American Mandrake, Duck's Foot, Hog Apple, Mandrake, Mayapple,Raccoon Berry |
Botanical Name: |
Podophyllum peltatum |
Genus: |
Podophyllum |
Family: |
Berberidaceae |
Cultivation: |
Rich, moist soil, pH4.0-7.0, in sheltered semi-shade. Young leaves may be damaged by frost in cold areas. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe at 20°C (68°F); by division in spring or late summer. |
Harvest: |
Rhizomes are lifted in autumn, and dried for use in tinctures and for commercial extraction of resin. |
Native Location: |
NE America |
Height: |
30-45cm (12-18in) |
Width: |
1.2m (4ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z3-9 |
Parts Used: |
Rhizomes, resin extracted from rhizome |
Properties: |
An acrid, caustic herb with an unpleasant smell. It has anti-cancer and anti-viral effects, and is a drastic purgative. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for certain cancers. Externally for venereal warts and plantar warts. To treat warts, fever, snakebite, and syphillis; and as a laxative. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of mayapple to treat warts. |
Typical Dose: |
A typical dose of mayapple root may range from 1.5 to 3.0 gm per day, applied to the skin. |
Possible Side Effects: |
Mayapple's side effects may include severe skin irritation. |
Drug Interactions: |
Taking mayapple with these drugs may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood: |
Acetazolamide, (Apo-Acetazolamide, Diamox Sequels) |
Azosemide, (Diat) |
Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex) |
Chlorothiazide, (Diuril) |
Chlorthalidone, (Apo-Clorthalidone, Thalitone) |
Ethacrynic Acid, (Edecrin) |
Etozolin, (Elkapin) |
Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix) |
Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide) |
Hydroflumethiazide, (Diucardin, Saluron) |
Indapamide, (Lozol, Nu-Indapamide) |
Mannitol, (Osmitrol, Resectisol) |
Methazolamide, (Apo-Methazolamide, Neptazane) |
Methyclothiazide, (Aquatensen, Enduron) |
Metolazone, (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn) |
Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, (Benicar HCT) |
Polythiazide, (Renese) |
Torsemide, (Demadex) |
Trichlormethiazide, (Metatensin, Naqua) |
Urea, (Amino-Cerv, UltraMide) |
Xipamide, (Diurexan, Lumitens) |
Taking mayapple with these drugs may decrease the laxative effects of the herb: |
Belladonna and Opium, (B&O Supprettes) |
Belladonna, Phenobarbital, and Ergotamine, (Bellamine S, Bel-Tabs) |
Ipecac, () |
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Lab Test Alterations: |
May decrease red blood cell concentrations. |
Disease Effects: |
May worsen gastrointestinal ailments by irritating the gastrointestinal tract. |
Food Interactions: |
Increased laxative effect of mayapple when used concurrently with salt. |
Supplement Interactions: |
- Increased risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity when used with other herbs that contain cardiac glycosides, such as Black Hellebore, Calotropis, Motherwort, and others.
- Increased risk of potassium depletion when used in conjunction with Horsetail Plant or Licorice.
- Increased risk of potassium depletion when used with other stimulant laxative herbs, such as Black Root, Cascara Sagrada, Castor Oil, and Senna.
- Decreased laxative effect of mayapple when used concurrently with Hyoscyamus, Leptandra, or Lobelia.
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Warning: |
All parts, except ripe fruits, may be fatally toxic if eaten. Handling may cause systemic poisoning. Contraindicated during pregnancy This herb is subject to legal restrictions in most countries. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 324-325 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp. 337-338
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