PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Podophyllum hexandrum (also known as Sinopodophyllum hexandrum) is an endangered perennial alpine medicinal herb primarily recognized as a natural source of the anti-cancer metabolite podophyllotoxin [PMID:36771657, PMID:40750648].
Background
It is a protected Tibetan and Chinese medicinal plant belonging to the family Berberidaceae, typically found in the Himalayan alpine region at altitudes between 2,200 and 4,300 meters [PMID:40230723, PMID:40219069].
Traditional uses
In the Unani System of Medicine, it is used to treat constipation, fever, jaundice, liver disorders, syphilis, and diseases of lymph glands [PMID:33544520]. It has also been traditionally used to regulate menstruation, enhance blood circulation, and treat blood stasis and dystocia [PMID:40354838, PMID:41285229].
Active compounds
The primary active compound is podophyllotoxin (PPT), a bioactive lignan [PMID:36771657, PMID:35058943]. Other identified components include phenolic substances, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and flavonoid glucosides such as sinoflavonoidgs A and B [PMID:36438133, PMID:36771657, PMID:31512512].
Mechanism of action
The herb may mitigate perimenopausal symptoms by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and enhancing estrogen receptor expression [PMID:40354838]. In radioprotection, it modulates proteins associated with apoptosis by activating MAPKAP kinase-2 and HSF-1, leading to the up-regulation of HSP-70 and inhibition of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression [PMID:15762843]. In K562 cells, it inhibits cell proliferation and increases apoptosis by affecting BCR/ABL, p-BCR/ABL, STAT5, p-STAT5, PARP, and caspase-3 [PMID:28219868].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CCancer (Pneumonic, Cervical, and Testicular)
Podophyllotoxin is noted for its special effects in the treatment of these cancers [PMID:36438133].
Evidence DPerimenopausal Syndrome (PMS)
Rhizomes and fruits mitigated symptoms in an ovariectomized rat model [PMID:40354838].
Evidence DChronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (CPID)
Rhizomes and fruits demonstrated therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model [PMID:41285229].
Evidence DRadiation Injury
Ethanolic extract provided over 80% whole-body radioprotection in mice [PMID:15762843].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal models (rats and mice), with some supporting review data on traditional use. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 36771657 (2023) — Light-Induced Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum with High-Altitude Adaptation. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 40354838 (2025) — Podophyllum hexandrum Royle mitigates perimenopausal symptoms in an OVX rat model by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and enhancing estrogen receptor expression. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
- 3.PMID: 36438133 (2022) — Phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity in different organs of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum. · Frontiers in plant science
- 4.PMID: 15762843 (2005) — Podophyllum hexandrum (Himalayan mayapple) extract provides radioprotection by modulating the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis. · Biotechnology and applied biochemistry
- 5.PMID: 33544520 (2021) — Medicinal importance of Papra (Podophyllum hexandrum Royle) in Unani System of Medicine.