Observations placeholder
Mayapple treatment for warts goes wrong
Identifier
006956
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Podophyllin is a resinous powder obtained by precipitating an alcoholic tincture of the rhizome of American Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) or Podophyllum emodi by means of water acidified with hydrochloric acid. It was once commonly used against HPV-induced genital warts.
A description of the experience
Neurology. 1982 Mar;32(3):308-11. Neurologic manifestations of podophyllin toxicity. Filley CM, Graff-Richard NR, Lacy JR, Heitner MA, Earnest MP.
A young woman presented with podophyllin intoxication following topical application of podophyllin resin to genital condylomata acuminata. The disorder was marked by hallucinatory psychosis, bone marrow depression, and mild hepatic dysfunction. The psychosis and systemic disturbances resolved within 3 weeks, but were followed by autonomic and sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. This case illustrates the transient central neurotoxicity and persistent peripheral neurotoxicity of podophyllin.
PMID: 7199647