Ethnomedicinal, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical proper ties and conservation issues of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (Berber idaceae)

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, a source of highly valued podophyllotoxin, has been subjected to heavy collection from the wilds due to ever increasing demand. Many important secondary metabolites have been extracted from the plant, among which the most important one is podophyllotoxin. It possesses antitumor properties which are used for the treatment of testicular as well as lung cancer. It has been used in TSM since age and now in modern medicine system as an intestinal purgative, inhibitor of tumor growth and salve for necrotic and infected wounds. The plant of this species declined in the frequency in past few years. Therefore, species needs immediate attention for conservation by improving propagation techniques. This article reviews the medicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and conservation-related aspects of the plant.