Podophyllum

(pod-o-fil’um) (Gr. xobs foot + φύλ- Rov leaf]. A genus of berberidaceous plants. The rhizome and roots of P. pelta’tum, May-apple, or mandrake, contain a resin, podophyllin, and a constituent, podophyllotoxin. It is a cholagogue, laxative, and cathartic, and is used in chronic constipation, torpor of the liver, etc. Dose, 5-20 gr. (0.33-1.33 gm.): of abstract, 4-1 gr. (0.016-0.066 gm.); of extract, 4-14 gr. (0.033-0.1 gm.): of fluidextract, 5-30 min. (0.333-2 C.c.); of tincture, 15-60 min. (1-4 ¢.c.). pos-. For words thus beginning, see those beginning pe-. poscilocyte (pe’sil-o-sit). See poikilocyte.