ReviewsHigh Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Podophyllin is a resinous powder obtained by precipitating an alcoholic tincture of the rhizome of American Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) or Podophyllum emodi by means of water acidified with hydrochloric acid. It varies in color from grayish to bright yellow or greenish-brown, the first-named being the purest. It was commonly used against HPV induced genital warts because it contains antiwart lignans, although podofilox, a purified form of the main active ingredient, has become recommended due to its higher efficacy and safety.