American Mandrake Root is a strong and powerful purgative that has been used historically and primarily to regulate bowel and liver function. It is believed to be a strong stimulant that efficiently cleanses and removes waste products from the body, and has been used to treat constipation, jaundice, and other disorders associated with waste product buildup. Native Americans also used it to remove warts and expel worms from the intestines.

Beneficial Uses:
Mandrake Root (Mayapple) has mainly been used (in controlled dosage) as a very potent purgative cathartic, a strong laxative that causes rapid, watery evacuation of the intestines and bowels. It is said to aid bowel complaints, such as constipation and other disturbances, due to sluggish action. It is considered an alterative, an agent that cleanses and stimulates the efficient removal of waste products from the system.

American Mandrake Root is said to aid in liver complaints. As a cholagogue, it has been used to stimulate the production and flow of bile (which also aids in the digestive process), and has a reputation for supporting liver function. Some say it has no equal when used for liver ailments and has been used in cases of jaundice, biliousness, and for the removal of body obstructions. The eliminative properties of Mandrake (both in the bowel and liver) make it effective for a number of complaints marked by accumulation of waste products in the system (including arthritic and skin problems).

Mandrake is also considered a vermifuge, an agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestinal tract.

Used externally, Mandrake Root is said to be effective in wart removal, especially helping venereal warts, and the root is said to possess antiviral properties.

There is a derivative in Mandrake Root called podophyllotoxin (the agent responsible for removing warts), and recent studies have shown some promising results for its use as a possible anticancer and antitumor substance, which may be used in treating human cancers. In tests, it has been found to stimulate the immune system while suppressing lymph cells and appears to be more toxic to leukemia cells than normal cells. Thus far it is too severe for the digestive tract for practical purposes, but a synthetic derivative is being used in Europe in chemotherapy (trademarked Vepeside) for lung and testicle cancers.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should never use Mandrake Root. This herb should be used with great caution (it is always advisable to use it in consultation with a physician), and it is subject to restrictions in many countries. It should never be taken in large amounts, as an overdose would likely be fatal. It is considered unsafe as a food by the USFDA.

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