It is found in the roots and rhizomes of Podophyllum species and is used for the topical treatment of genital warts. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent, a keratolytic drug, a tubulin modulator, a microtubule-destabilising agent, an antimitotic and a plant metabolite. It is a furonaphthodioxole, a lignan and an organic heterotetracyclic compound.