Podophyllum peltatum, also known as Mayapple or American mandrake, is a plant native to North America. It contains podophyllotoxin, a compound with medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, it has been used topically for the treatment of genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). However, its use is limited due to its toxicity and potential adverse effects if ingested or improperly applied. It's important to note that Podophyllum peltatum should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Podophyllum is a botanical name that refers to a genus of plants in the family Berberidaceae. It's commonly known as Mayapple or American mandrake. The dried rhizome (underground stem) of Podophyllum peltatum, also known as Podophyllin, contains podophyllotoxin and other aryltetralin lignans, which have been used in medical preparations for their antineoplastic (anti-cancer) properties.

In modern medicine, podophyllotoxin is obtained through semi-synthesis and is used as a topical treatment for genital warts. It works by inhibiting the formation of microtubules, which are necessary for cell division, leading to the death of the infected cells.

Please note that Podophyllum products should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional due to their potential toxicity.

A rhizome is not typically used as a medical term, but it is a term borrowed from botany that has been adopted in some areas of medicine, particularly in psychiatry and psychotherapy.

In its original botanical sense, a rhizome is a horizontal stem of a plant that grows underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes. This growth pattern is contrasted with that of a root system, which grows downward, and a stem system, which grows upward.

In psychiatry and psychotherapy, the term "rhizome" has been used as a metaphor to describe a non-hierarchical and decentralized approach to understanding mental processes and subjectivity. The rhizome model emphasizes the complexity, multiplicity, and interconnectedness of these processes, and rejects simplistic or reductionist explanations that focus on a single cause or origin. Instead, it encourages a more holistic and dynamic view of mental life, one that is open to multiple perspectives and interpretations.

It's important to note that the use of the term "rhizome" in this context is metaphorical and not medical in the strict sense. It is a way of thinking about mental processes and subjectivity that has been influenced by poststructuralist and feminist theories, among others.

Podophyllin is not typically used in modern medicine due to its potential toxicity and the availability of safer and more effective alternatives. However, historically it was used as a topical medication for the treatment of certain skin conditions such as genital warts. It's derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of Podophyllum peltatum (May apple or American mandrake) and Podophyllum emodi (Himalayan mayapple).

The medical definition of Podophyllin, according to the 30th edition of Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, is: "A brownish-yellow, resinous extract from the rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum L. (Berberidaceae) or P. emodi Wall., containing podophyllotoxin and other aryltetralin lignans. It has been used topically as a caustic for treatment of condylomata acuminata, but its use is limited because of potential systemic toxicity."

It's crucial to note that Podophyllin should only be applied by healthcare professionals due to the risk of adverse effects and toxicity. The more common formulation now used is podophyllotoxin, which comes in a purified form and has a lower risk of systemic toxicity compared to Podophyllin.