Toxic effects of podophyllin, a resin derived from the roots of certain plants including American mandrake, mimics the toxic effects of what prescription drug?
Colchicine
The toxic effects of colchicine and podophyllotoxin are derived from interference of microtubulin structure and function by binding to tubulin subunits. In contrast to colchicine, Podophyllotoxin binds more rapidly to tubulin and binding is reversible.
Cassidy DE et al. Podophyllum toxicity: a report of a fatal case and a review of the literature. J Tox Clin Tox 2981; 19(1): 35-44. doi: 10.3109/15563658208990364
Submitted by: Abigail Sharpe, PharmD
Posted in Question Of The Day