Podophyllotoxin is primarily used in the treatment of genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It works by inhibiting cell division, leading to the destruction of the wart tissue. The compound is applied topically as a gel or solution, directly targeting the affected area. It is often preferred for its effectiveness in reducing wart size and promoting healing. Additionally, podophyllotoxin has shown potential in cancer research due to its ability to disrupt microtubule formation, which is crucial for cell division. This property makes it a candidate for developing chemotherapy agents, particularly in treating certain types of cancers like testicular and lung cancer. However, its use in cancer therapy is still under investigation and not yet widely adopted in clinical practice.