MANDRAKE
Podophyllum peltatum
COMMON NAMES: Mayapple, hog apple, American mandrake, Indian apple, raccoonberry, wild lemon.
FEATURES: In the United States the name mayapple is applied to Podophyllum peltatum, a herbaceous
member of the barberry family (Berberidaceae) that has a perennial and sometimes divided rootstock.
The American mandrake is an entirely different plant from white bryony, or English mandrake. American
mandrake is native to eastern North America and can be found growing throughout the States in moist
open woods and pastures.
The jointed, dark brown root, about half the size of a finger, is very fibrous and internally yellow. The
stem is simple, round, smooth, erect, about 1 foot high, divided at the top into two petioles 3–6 inches
long, each supporting two large, peltate, deeply lobed leaves and a solitary nodding white flower 1–2
inches across; flowers in spring and in flavor resembles the strawberry. The 2-inch fleshy berry is
yellow, edible when ripe only, and is sometimes used for preserves; rarely develops until July. In the
green state the rhizome, foliage, seeds, and green fruit are poisonous. The proper time for collecting the
root is the latter part of October or early part of November, soon after the fruit has ripened. Its active
principle is podophyllin, which acts upon the liver in the same manner as mercury but is far superior to
mercury; with intelligent physicians it has dethroned that noxious mineral as a cholagogue.
MEDICINAL PART: Rhizome and the resin extracted from it.
SOLVENTS: Alcohol, boiling water (partial solvent).
BODILY INFLUENCE: Cathartic, hepatic, hydragogue, cholagogue, alterative, tonic, emetic, purgative.
USES: Its usefulness covers a wide range, brought to our attention by the Native Americans. It seldom
fails in cases of urine incontinence or diseases associated with it. The influence is exercised on every
part of the system, stimulating glands to a healthy action, releasing obstructions such as those leading to
bilious and typhoid febrile disease. In chronic liver diseases it has no equal in the whole range of herbal
practice. For all chronic scrofulous, dyspeptic complaints it is highly valuable, acting upon the bowels
without disposing them to subsequent costiveness. In cases of determination of blood to the brain,
mandrake, given in cathartic doses, is prompt and will soon restore the equilibrium of the circulation. In