Podophyllum Peltatum Herb vs Tamanu

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Podophyllum Peltatum Herb

Podophyllum peltatum

Skin and Topical

Calophyllum inophyllatum

Skin and Topical

Podophyllum Peltatum Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tamanu

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Eastern North American woodland plant used by Native peoples as a cathartic and topically for warts; source of podophyllin.

A coastal tree whose nut oil is prized for remarkable skin healing properties across Polynesia and Southeast Asia.

Active Compounds

podophyllotoxin, alpha-peltatin, beta-peltatin, picropodophyllin

Calophyllolide, Inophyllum compounds, Xanthones, Friedelin

Traditional Uses

cathartic purgative in Native American medicine, topical wart treatment, anticancer compound source

Wound healing, Burns, Skin infections, Joint pain

Modern Uses

antimitotic, antitumor, antiviral for warts

Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory skin treatment, Antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

Medical supervision only; topical 0.5% podophyllin for warts

Apply oil directly to affected skin 2-3x daily

Contraindications

pregnancy - abortifacient, internal use - deadly toxic, children

Nut allergy, Internal use

Side Effects

severe systemic toxicity internally, neuropathy

Skin irritation (rare), Allergic reactions

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E