17-3 
Podophyllin.—A resin mass, first observed and used by Prof. John King 
(1835). This resin is prepared substantially as follows: The root is ees 
with alcohol by percolation, and the alcohol evaporated from the percolate until 
it is of a syrupy consistence; this is warmed, and poured into many times its bulk 
of cold water constantly agitated, and allowed to stand for twenty-four hours, when 
the resin will be precipitated; this precipitate should be washed by decantation, 
straining and pressing, and dried at a temperature of about 80° F.; greater heat 
renders it darker, and the addition of alum to the water gives it a deep yellow 
color. Podophyllin prepared as above is of a blanched yellowish-gray color, 
slightly soluble in water, partly in ether, and boils at 124° (255° F.). The yield 
of the resin is about eighty-four pounds to the ton; highest in the month of April, 
lowest in July.* 
Podophyllin contains, according to Podwissotzki: 
Picropodophyllin, C,,H,O, + H,O.—This body purifies into colorless, silky, 
_ delicate crystals, soluble in strong alcohol, choloroform, and ether, insoluble in 
water, and low-per cent. alcohol, and melts at from 200 to 210° (392 to 410° F.). 
Picropodophyllin, when in solution, possesses a very bitter taste, and the action 
of podophyllin intensified. 
Podophyllotoxin, C,,H,,O,—A bitter amorphous substance, soluble in dilute 
alcohol and hot water, precipitating from the latter, on cooling, in fine flakes, Its 
medical properties are very similar to picropodophyllin, and its availability greater, 
as it is more soluble. ; 
Picropodophyllinic Acid.—This resinous acid is notable from the fact that it 
holds in solution the active principle of podophyllin, crystalline picropodophyllin. 
In its pure form, or as nearly pure as traces of picropodophyllin will allow, it is in 
the form of hornlike granules, readily soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether. 
Podophylloquercetin, C,,H,O,—This body, having none of the emetic or 
cathartic properties of podophyllin, is soluble in alcohol and ether; from the lat- 
ter it crystallizes in short yellowish needles, having a metallic lustre. By exposure 
to air it takes on a greenish color. It melts at 247 to 250° (476.6 to 482° me 
is to this body that the investigator claims is due the griping pains produced by 
podophyllin. | | 
Podophyllinic Acid.—This principle results as a brown amorphous resinous 
body, soluble in alcohol and ether, insoluble in water, and having no action upon 
the animal organism. 
also determined. The claims as to 
Fatty oils and extractive matters were 
een entirely refuted, as before men- 
the presence of berberin and saponin have b 
tioned, 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The force of podophyllum seems to be almost 
entirely expended upon the lining membrane of the almentary canal. Whatever 
* Biddle, Am. Four. Phar. 1879, p. 544+ 
