Dithranol (INN) or anthralin (USAN and former BAN) is a Hydroxyanthrone, anthracene derivative, medicine applied to the skin of people with psoriasis. It is available as creams, ointment or pastes in 0.1 to 2% strengths. The terms dithranol and anthralin are sometimes used synonymously. Anthralin cream is a topical antimitotic. It works by slowing the reproduction of skin cells, precise mechanism of anti-psoriatic action is not yet fully understood. However, numerous studies have demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of anthralin on psoriatic and normal skin. The anti-proliferative effects of anthralin appear to result from both an inhibition of DNA synthesis as well as from its strong reducing properties. Recently, anthralin’s effectiveness as an anti-psoriatic agent has also been in part attributed to its abilities to induce lipid peroxidation and reduce levels of endothelial adhesion molecules which are markedly elevated in psoriatic patients. Unlike retinoids and PUVA, anthralin does not inhibit liver microsomal enzyme activity; consequently, the likelihood of adverse drug interactions is greatly reduced when other agents are administered concomitantly with anthralin.

Podophyllum resin is the powdered mixture of resins removed from the May apple or Mandrake, a perennial plant of the northern and middle United States. The early colonists learned of themedical properties of the root from the Indians, and it was used as a cathartic in the firstUnited States Pharmacopoeia (1820). The resin, podophyllin, was first separated from Podophyllum by John King in 1835. Between 1863 and 1942, podophyllin was reported to be a cathartic, purgative, deobstruent, vermifuge, hydragogue, cholagogue, choleretic, andexpectorant.Itwas recommended, either alone or in combination with other herbs, for diseases of the liverandkidneys, for scrofula, syphilis, gonorrhea, obstructed menstruation, urinary obstruction, dropsy, and coughs. Currently Podophyllum resin is used as a medication to treat genital warts and plantar warts, including in people with HIV/AIDS. Common side effects include redness, itchiness, and pain at the site of use. Severe side effects may include vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, bone marrow suppression, and diarrhea. It is not recommended for more than a small area at a time. Use during pregnancy is known to be dangerous to the baby.