Podophyllum hexandrum: A Rare Alpine Medicinal Herb, Reservoir of Bioactive molecules

Abstract

In the Ayurvedic medical system, Podophyllum hexandrum, a well-known and important medicinal plant from the family Berberidaceae, is frequently used to treat ailments like constipation, colds, fevers, septic wounds, inflammation, burning sensations, mental disorders, genital warts, and various cancer types. This herb, which prefers moisture and shade and grows at heights between 2500 and 4000 metres, is native to the Kashmir to Sikkim region of the Himalayas. According to reports, this species' primary phytoconstituents include lignans and flavonoids. Podophyllotoxin, a widely distributed anti-mitotic natural substance, was isolated from Podophyllin, the resin obtained from this plant. In clinics, semi-synthetic forms of podophyllotoxin, etoposide, teniposide, and etoposide phosphate are currently used to give anticancer treatment. These have shown a wide range of clinical activity in treating various tumour types. Due to their exceptional biological activity, it will be appropriate to develop
Podophyllum hexandrum extracts and its constituents into clinically useful scaffolds in the fields of oncology and related research. The current paper provides a thorough examination of the many facets of the plant's biology, the chemistry of its biologically active component, podophyllotoxin, as well as its biological activities and mechanism of action. It also explores the potential use of biotechnology to create podophyllotoxin.