Mayapple… Before using it as medicine one should first learn the warnings that go with it. When used improperly the results can be disastrous. It can be highly poisonous/toxic. One must use extreme care in exactly which parts of the plant are used.
The roots are used as medicine yet the roots have “nodes” on them. These “nodes” are extremely toxic and should never be used, always discard them along with all green parts of the plant.
Even the juice from the roots in between the nodes can cause allergic reactions to individuals who are sensitive to the plant. This plant isn’t for everyone.
All that said, when properly used it is a powerful medicine. For example, it is still in the US Pharmacopoeia to this very day for the treatment of various cancers. It is a powerful liver, gallbladder and kidney cleanser.
Another note of warning… This plant usually works best in combination with other plants. It can be used alone but rarely is. All in all… I recommend finding a good herbalist if you think this plant can help you.
There are a couple more uses in folk medicine, one came to me through my ancestors and I think it best to keep it that way.
Meerkat... We are talking about MayApples aka Podophyllum peltatum ... It is an entirely different plant than MayPops - Passiflora incarnata. They don't resemble each other nor are they similar medicinally speaking. They should never be confused. One can be dangerous the other is not.
Maypops, passion flower aka Passiflora incarnata is a medicine but it is a VINE. Jim's plant is not a vine.