An extract of the mayapple (Podophyllotoxin) acts as a cell poison which cells undergoing mitosis (division) are particularly vulnerable to. It isn't itself used as a chemotherapy agent; instead, it is used in creams such as Oclassen's Condylox as a treatment for genital warts. Genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), have been associated with cancers of the genitals (squamous cell carcinomas).

Adverse reactions to topical applications of these extracts include burning, inflammation, etc. When the drug(Podophyllotoxin) was being investigated as a chemotherapy agent, it caused reactions such as nausea, vomiting, fever, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, nervous system problems, seizures, kidney damage, etc. Thus far, research hasn't shown whether using Podophyllotoxin to treat warts can harm the children of pregnant or nursing mothers or not, but to be on the safe side they probably shouldn't use the drug.

Etoposide and teniposide both block the cell cycle in two specific places: they block the phase between the last division and the start of DNA replication (the G1 phase) and they block the replication of DNA (the S phase). However, researchers don't have a very good understanding of how the compounds do this.

Etoposide (which is sold by Pharmaceutical companies) is administered intravenously or orally as liquid capsules. It is used mainly to treat testicular cancer which hasn't responded to other treatment and as first-line treatment for small-cell lung cancers. It is also used to treat chorionic carcinomas, Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphomas and malignant melanomas. Major side effects include hair loss, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, and low leukocyte and platelet counts. Very rarely, some people have severe allergic reactions to the drug. It can also cause genetic damage and may increase a patient's risk of developing leukemia. Etoposide is known to cause fetal damage and birth defects, and so it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

Warning: This is a highly toxic product for use as a Pharmaceutical agent. Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, hands etc must be fully protected before handling the product.