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Botanical Name Plant's Common Name Plant Family   

    TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICINAL PLANT RECORDS FOR CONSTIPATION IN MPDB : 38

    AQUATIC : 0     BAMBOO : 0     CLIMBERS : 3     GRASSES : 1     HERBS : 10     ORCHIDS : 0     SHRUBS : 12     TREES : 12

 Sr. No.   Medicinal Plant's Name   Plant's Family   Plant category   Medicinal Uses 
1 Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth Convolvulaceae Climbers in the treatment of elephantiasis; purgative; seeds are diuretic, anthelminthic and laxative and are prescribed for oedema and constipation, to promote menstruation or cause abortion (abortifacient).
2 Merremia turpethum (L.) Rendle Convolvulaceae Climbers It is actually not a purgative but a mild laxative. It is useful in fevers, edema, ascites, anorexia, constipation, hepatosplenomegaly, hemorrhoids, cervical lymphadenitis, fistulas, constipation, chronic gout, fever, bronchitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, tumors, obesity, jaundice, herpes, induce lacrimation, and other skin disorders.
3 Trichosanthes cucumerina L. Cucurbitaceae Climbers According to Ayurveda, the plant pacifies vitiated pitta, constipation, skin diseases, burning sensation, diabetes, anorexia, flatulence, constipation, worm infestation, fever and general weakness.
4 Echinochloa frumentacea POACEAE Grasses The plant is useful in the treatment of biliousness and constipation.
5 Cucumis callosus (Rottb.) Cogn. Cucurbitaceae Herbs anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, ANTI-HYPERLIPIDAEMIC; Fruit is traditionally used to prevent insanity to strong memory and remove vertigo. The seeds are cooling and astringent and useful in bilious disorder. diabetics; cooling effect, improve appetite, easy bowl syndrome, relives stomach pain, vomiting and constipation; indigestion, dropsy, and pulp of fruit used in abortion (abortifacient) and to increase menses for women; epilepsy and Diarrhea
6 Acanthospermum hispidum DC. Asteraceae / Compositae Herbs jaundice, malaria, vomiting, cephalgias, headache, abdominal pain, convulsions, stomachache, constipation, eruptive fever, snake bite, epilepsy, blennorrhoea, hepato-biliary disorders, malaria, microbial infection and viral infections
7 Nicandra physaloides (L.) Scop. Solanaceae Herbs Diuretic, sedative, cough, amoebiasis, anti-pyretic, constipation, laxative, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, toothache; Leaf juice given in amoebic dysentery (Bhogaonkar and Devarkar 2002).
8 Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae Herbs The leaves and seed are astringent. The leaves are rich in a gummy matter and when mixed with water they form a rich bland mucilage that is used in the treatment of infant cholera, Diarrhea, dysentery, catarrh and bladder troubles. The seed is diuretic, emollient, galactogogue, lenitive and tonic, and acts as a tonic for the liver and kidneys. It is taken internally in the treatment of premature hair loss and greying, convalescence, chronic dry constipation, dental caries, osteoporosis, stiff joints, dry cough etc. It has a marked ability to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Externally it is used to treat haemorrhoids and ulcers. The seed is very high in calories and so should be used with caution by people who are overweight. The oil is laxative and also promotes menstruation. It is used to treat dry constipation in the elderly. Mixed with lime water, the oil is used externally to treat burns, boils and ulcers. A decoction of the root is used in various traditions to treat asthma and coughs. Sesamum mulayanum: The oil used for massage and also given internally in arthritis. Oil is supposed to have abortifacient property (Bhogaonkar and Devarkar 2002).
9 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Verbenaceae Herbs The plant is anodyne, anti-bacterial, astringent, carminative, deobstruent, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, febrifuge, parasiticide and refrigerant. It is said to be useful in the treatment of blenorrhoea, lithiasis, ischuria, constipation and pain in the knees. It is used in the treatment of hookworm. An infusion is drunk as a post-partum tonic. The juice of the plant is cooling and is used to relieve minor gastric troubles, fevers, coughs and colds. The aroma of the inhaled plant is breathed in to treat coughs and colds. A poultice of the fresh plant is applied to ripen boils. A paste or poultice is also applied to swollen cervical glands, to erysipelas, burns, and to chronic indolent ulcers.
10 Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl Verbenaceae Herbs used traditionally by the elderly as a cure for allergies and respiratory conditions, cough, cold, fever, constipation, digestive complications, and dysentery and promotes menstruation; also known to demonstrate antacid, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antihelminthic, diuretic, laxative, lactagogue, purgative, sedative, spasmogenic, vasodilator, vulnerary, and vermifuge properties
11 Allmania nodiflora (L.) R. Br. ex Wight Amaranthaceae Herbs folk medicine to treat constipation, decentry and febrifuge contains adequate amount of nutrients. The reported activities are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant activity, sedative and anxiolytic, anti-helminthic, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer activity; anti-inflammatory, -anti-cancer;
12 Phyllanthus urinaria L. Phyllanthaceae Herbs It is used against colic, and as an effective remedy to eliminate gall - and kidney stones, urinary tract infection, bladder inflammation and for other kidney and liver problems in general such as acute - and chronic hepatitis B, which explains the origin of its species name urinaria. commonly used as a diuretic and purgative to treat a wide variety of uro-genital disorders, Diarrhea and diabetes. It is also used as a bitter tonic and to treat fevers, including malaria. In Asia, extracts are widely used against hepatitis B infections. A plant decoction is drunk and plant ash in water is applied as ear drops to treat earache. Externally, the crushed plant parts, or an infusion, are applied to treat ulcers, sores and tumours. The sap of leafy twigs, or a twig decoction, is drunk to treat pain in the side. A paste of fresh crushed leaves and kaolin in water is drunk and applied to the body to treat convulsions, colic, constipation and urethral discharges. The bitter leaves are eaten to treat hiccup and cough.
13 Agave americana L. Agavaceae Herbs The sap can also be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery. The sap is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and laxative. An infusion of the chopped leaf is purgative and the juice of the leaves is applied to bruises. The plant is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, constipation, jaundice and dysentery. The sap has disinfectant properties and can be taken internally to check the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Water in which agave fibre has been soaked for a day can be used as a scalp disinfectant and tonic in cases of falling hair. A gum from the root and leaf is used in the treatment of toothache. The roots are steeped in water, and the water ingested for treating various ailments such as stomach pain, painful and difficult urination, scurvy, swollen and bleeding pulp of teeth, swollen bones, constipation, and poor appetite or loss of appetite.
14 Agave vera-cruz Mill. Agavaceae Herbs Leaf juice with a pinch of common salt is boiled. After cooling a small quantity of jaggery is added. This is consumed twice a day to cure constipation.
15 Helicteres isora L. Malvaceae Shrubs Treat snake bite, Diarrhea and constipation of new born baby. The extract of the seeds cures dysentery and stomach pain. The root and stem bark are expectorant, demulcent, astringent, galactofuge, and a remedy for scabies. The stem bark is also used for treating Diarrhea and dysentery; anti-oxidant, hypolipidaemic, anti-bacterial and antiplasmid activities, cardiac anti-oxidant, antiperoxidative potency, brain-antioxidation potency, anti-cancer activity, antinociceptive activity, Hepatoprotective activity, anti-Diarrheal activity and wormicidal activity;
16 Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Rutaceae Shrubs It is a warming, strongly aromatic herb that improves appetite and digestion. The leaves, roots and bark can all be used internally in the treatment of digestive problems. It has been shown that the leaves increase digestive secretions and relieve nausea, indigestion and vomiting. The leaves can be used internally in treating constipation, colic and Diarrhea. The leaves are used in the treatment of Diarrhea and dysentery. The leaves can be applied externally as a poultice to treat burns and wounds. anti-diabetic, Anti Diarrheal, stimulant, antidysentric, tonic, stomachic and carminative, dysentery
17 Securinega leucopyrus (Willd.) Müll.Arg. Euphorbiaceae Shrubs Treatment of wound healing. It is also useful in vitiated conditions of Pitta, burning sensation, strangury, seminal weakness and general debility and is used as a wonderful medicine in menstrual disorders. The plant has been used in preparations in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, hay asthma, bowel complaints, disinfections, laxatives, for Diarrhea, gonorrhea, constipation and mental illness and kidney stones.
18 Embelia ribes Burm.f. Primulaceae Shrubs Improves the functioning of the digestive system and alleviates flatulence, gaseous belching and constipation. Useful in expelling the tape worm out of the digestive system, facial paralysis, epilepsy and insanity. Paste of Embelia ribes reduces cavities and skin associated disease. It is being used in indigestion, constipation, paralysis, convulsions, epilepsy, wormal infestation, infections in body. It also helps in blood purification and healing of wound.
19 Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight Apocynaceae Shrubs Lactative; The plant is galactogogue, cooling, nutritive, aphrodisiac, stimulant, diuretic, and eyetonic. Useful to cure eye-diseases, seminal debility, general weakness, cough, dyspnoea, fever, asthma, constipation, sore throat, and gonorrhea. Extracts of roots and leaves of the plant act as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It promotes health and vigour, improves voice, alleviates the three dosas vata, pitta and kapha. It also cures eye diseases, hematemesis, emaciation, cough, dyspnoea, fever and burning sensation.
20 Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Shrubs Lantana essential oil is sometimes used for the treatment of skin itches, as an anti-septic for wounds, and externally for leprosy and scabies. It is applied as a poultice on rheumatic joints. The root is sweet and bitter tasting, refrigerant, antifebrile. A decoction is used to treat influenza, cough, mumps, incessant high fever, malaria, cervical lymph node tuberculosis, asthma, toothache, headache, inflammation, gonorrhea and Leucorrhoea. The flowers are sweet tasting, mildly cooling and haemostatic. A decoction of the dried flowers is used in the treatment of haemoptysis and pulmonary tuberculosis. The leaves are aromatic with a minty taste, they have a cooling nature, are antiphlogistic, anti-dermatosic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, pectoral, stimulant, tonic and vulnerary. An infusion of the leaves and flowering tops is used in the treatment of fevers, constipation, tuberculosis, catarrh and bronchitis.
21 Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Shrubs The leaves are antitussive, diuretic and febrifuge. They are taken in various ways in the treatment of coughs - they are put into soups; purple coloured leaves are pounded with palm-oil and salt; or they are made into a simple tisane. They are also used in various ways to treat dysenteriform Diarrhea and oedema. The leaves are used in an enema to treat constipation. Applied externally, the leaves are mixed with palm-oil or butter for the treatment of boils. The leaves are also used in topical applications to treat cuts. A decoction is applied in frictions to treat oedema of the legs. Used to treat jaundice, abdominal colics, cephalgias, Diarrheas, paralysis, erectile dysfunction, vomiting and malaria.
22 Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh. Loranthaceae Shrubs The whole plant is used in indigenous systems of medicine as cooling, astringent, aphrodisiac, narcotic and diuretic. The plant is useful in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, menstrual disorders, constipation, insanity, Diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, Leucorrhoea, rheumatism, skin diseases, impotency, wound swelling, paralysis, ulcers, haemorrhage, miscarriage, kidney and gall bladder stone. The plant possess the wound healing, anti-microbial, hepato-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antinociceptive, anthelmintic, anti-oxidant and anti-septic properties. The whole plant is used in indigenous system of medicine as cooling, bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, narcotic and diuretic and is useful in treating pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, menstrual disorders, swelling wounds, ulcers, renal and vesical calculi and vitiated conditions of kapha and pitta.
23 Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Müll.Arg. Euphorbiaceae Shrubs Roots, seeds, leaves and seed oil are used to treat jaundice, constipation, piles, anemia, conjuctivitis. The roots are purgative, anthelmintic, carminative, rubefacient and anodyne. Used in abdominal pain, constipation, calculus, general anasarca, piles, helminthic infestation, scabies and skin disorders. Root paste is applied to painful swellings and piles. The leaves relieve asthma and seeds are used to cure snake bites.
24 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Phyllanthaceae Shrubs The plant sap and leaf decoction are credited with emetic and purgative activities. Plant sap is used as nose drops to treat toothache. Ground leaves are rubbed on the skin with lemon juice as treatment for rheumatism. The seeds are carminative, diuretic and laxative. The plant is used as an aphrodisiac. The plant is widely used in India to treat headache, bronchitis, earache and ophthalmia. Powder from dried plant material mixed with milk is drunk to treat jaundice. The whole plant is pounded and boiled, then the solution used for washing areas of the body affected by scabies. A root decoction is taken to cure constipation, Diarrhea, lack of appetite, intestinal pain, menstrual problems, gastrointestinal disorders, testicular swelling, chest complaints and snake bites.
25 Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.)Sw. CAESALPINIOIDEAE Shrubs A decoction or infusion of the roots, bark, leaves or flowers is used as a purgative and emmenagogue. According to the dosage it may be used as a mouthwash for teeth or gums, a remedy for colds and fevers, or even as a strong abortifacient. The root is astringent, bitter, emmenagogue and, in larger doses, is used as an abortifacient. It is used in the treatment of Diarrhea. The leaves are emmenagogue, febrifuge and tonic. At larger doses they can be abortifacient. An infusion is used to relieve constipation, as a treatment for kidney stones, and to accelerate childbirth. An infusion of the leaves and flowers is used as a diuretic. The leaves, flowers and seeds are used in the treatment of stomach, urinary bladder and kidney problems.
26 Pavetta indica L. RUBIACEAE Shrubs A decoction of the leaves is drunk during the first days after childbirth as a protective medicine. It is also taken when the birth is delayed and as a treatment for fever. The leaves are used for poulticing boils. A cooled decoction of the leaves is applied as a wash to ulcers of the nose and topically to treat haemorrhoidal pains. The root is considered aperient, diuretic, purgative and tonic. It is prescribed in the treatment of intestinal obstructions, constipation, jaundice, headache, urinary diseases and dropsy. The crushed root bark, combined with rice water and ginger, is taken as a diuretic and for the treatment of dropsy. The root, root bark or stem bark can alsl be used as a treatment for intestinal obstructions. The roots are used for poulticing stubborn itch. A poultice of the stem bark is applied topically for soothing haemorrhoids. An infusion of the thinly cut wood is taken as a treatment for rheumatism. A study of the methanol extract of the plant has shown anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin. This extract has also shown anti-pyretic activity. Flavonoids in the plant have demonstrated effective diuretic activity.
27 Annona squamosa Linn Annonaceae Tree The plant is traditionally used for the treatment of epilepsy, dysentery, cardiac problem, worm infection, constipation,hemorrhage, anti-bacterial infection, dysuria, fever, and ulcer. It also has antifertility, antitumor and abortifacient properties. Breast Cancer, Seed : Malignant Sores(cancer); The green fruits, seeds and leaves have effective vermicidal properties. The young shoots, combined with peppermint, are used in the West Indies to relieve colds and chills.
28 Tamarindus indica L. Fabaceae Tree The bark is astringent and tonic and its ash may be given internally as a digestive. Incorporated into lotions or poultices, the bark may be used to relives sores, ulcers, boils and rashes. It may also be administered as a decoction against asthma and amenorrhea and as a febrifuge. Leaf extracts exhibit anti-oxidant activity in the liver, and are a common ingredient in cardiac and blood sugar reducing medicines. Young leaves may be used in fomentation for rheumatism, applied to sores and wounds, or administered as a poultice for inflammation of joints to reduce swelling and relieve pain. A sweetened decoction of the leaves is good against throat infection, cough, fever, and even intestinal worms. The filtered hot juice of young leaves, and a poultice of the flowers, is used for conjunctivitis. The leaves are warmed and tied to affected areas in order to relieve swellings and pains, particularly sprains. They are also used for bathing sores or to bathe persons suffering from measles or allergies. The leaves and flowers are used to make a sweetened tea that is drunk by children as a remedy for measles. They were also used in a preparation which was drunk in early Guyana as a malaria remedy. A decoction of the flower buds is used as a remedy for children's bedwetting and urinary complaints. The fruit is aperient and laxative. A syrup made from the ripe fruit is drunk in order to keep the digestive organs in good condition, and also as a remedy for coughs and chest colds. The flesh of the fruit is eaten to cure fevers and control gastric acid. The fruit pulp may be used as a massage to treat rheumatism, as an acid refrigerant, a mild laxative and also to treat scurvy. Powdered seeds may be given to cure dysentery and Diarrhea. The plant contains pyrazines and thiazoles. The seed contains polyoses. The bark yields proanthocyanidin and hordenine. It is used traditionally in abdominal pain, Diarrhea and dysentery, helminthes infections, wound healing, malaria and fever, constipation, inflammation, cell cytotoxicity, gonorrhea, and eye diseases.
29 Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Combretaceae Tree It is anthelmintic, astringent (especially when ripe), digestive, tonic and laxative (especially when unripe). The fruit is used internally principally in the treatment of digestive and respiratory problems. the ripe fruit is used in cases of Diarrhea and indigestion, whilst the unripe fruit is used as a laxative in cases of chronic constipation. The fruit is often used to treat upper respiratory tract infections that cause symptoms of sore throats, hoarseness and coughs. Externally, the fruit is used to make a lotion for sore eyes. The sour fruits are one of the ingredients of 'triphala', an Ayurvedic rejuvenative, laxative tonic based on this species plus the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia chebula.
30 Eugenia jambolana Lam. Myrtaceae Tree diabetes; It is also used for digestion disorders including gas (flatulence), bowel spasms, stomach problems, and severe Diarrhea (dysentery). Another use is treatment of lung problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Some people use jambolan as an aphrodisiac to increase interest in sexual activity, and as a tonic. In combination with other herbs, jambolan seed is used for constipation, diseases of the pancreas, stomach problems, nervous disorders, depression, and exhaustion.
31 Ficus cunia Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. Moraceae Tree The juice of the roots is applied to treat headaches, and is also recommended for fevers and menstrual disorders. The bark, combined with Schima wallichii and Syzygium cumini, is used to treat gastric troubles and peptic ulcers. The immature fruit is used to treat constipation. A paste of the fruit is applied to the forehead to relieve headaches. The latex is used to treat children with fevers.
32 Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex Pierre. Magnoliaceae Tree The bark is used as a febrifuge. A decoction of the bark and leaves is given after childbirth. The flowers are used to treat leprosy. The leaves are used as a treatment against colic. The seeds are used to treat badly chapped skin. Traditionally, the joy perfume tree was used in several treatments including fever, leprosy, cough, ulcer, abdominal cohlic, rheumatism, constipation, dysmenorrhoea, bronchitis, wounds, skin diseases and various other disorders. Also, this plant possesses numerous pharmacological properties such as anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, insecticidal, anti-uretic, anti-dinic, carminative, anti-diabetic etc.
33 Miliusa velutina (Dunal) Hook. f. & Thomson Annonaceae Tree In Ayurveda; Fruits in chronic constipation
34 Juglans regia JUGLANDACEAE Tree The leaves are alterative, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and depurative. They are used internally the treatment of constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, Diarrhea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves are also used to treat skin ailments and purify the blood. They are considered to be specific in the treatment of strumous sores. Male inflorescences are made into a broth and used in the treatment of coughs and vertigo. The rind is anodyne and astringent. It is used in the treatment of Diarrhea and anaemia. The seeds are antilithic, diuretic and stimulant. They are used internally in the treatment of low back pain, frequent urination, weakness of both legs, chronic cough, asthma, constipation due to dryness or anaemia and stones in the urinary tract. Externally, they are made into a paste and applied as a poultice to areas of dermatitis and eczema. The oil from the seed is anthelmintic. It is also used in the treatment of menstrual problems and dry skin conditions. The cotyledons are used in the treatment of cancer. Walnut has a long history of folk use in the treatment of cancer, some extracts from the plant have shown anti-cancer activity. The bark and root bark are anthelmintic, astringent and detergent.
35 Mimusops elengi L. SAPOTACEAE Tree The bark is astringent, bitter and tonic. It is used in the treatment of Diarrhea and dysentery. A decoction of the bark, sometimes mixed with the flowers, is used as a gargle to treat gum inflammation, toothache etc. It is also used to treat gonorrhea, snake bites, fevers, wounds, scabies and eczema. The leaves are used to treat headache, toothache, wounds and sore eyes, and are smoked to cure infections of the nose and mouth. The flowers have been used as a remedy against Diarrhea. The young fruits have been employed in a gargle for treating sprue. The pounded seeds are used to cure obstinate constipation. Various parts of the tree have medicinal properties. It is used in the treatment and maintenance of oral hygiene. Rinsing mouth with water solution made with bakul helps in strengthening the teeth. It also prevents bad breath and helps keep the gums healthy.
36 Morus alba MORACEAE Tree The leaves are anti-bacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, hypoglycaemic, odontalgic and ophthalmic. They are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, eye infections and nosebleeds. An injected extract of the leaves can be used in the treatment of elephantiasis and purulent fistulae. The leaves are collected after the first frosts of autumn and can be used fresh but are generally dried. The stems are antirheumatic, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and pectoral. They are used in the treatment of rheumatic pains and spasms, especially of the upper half of the body, high blood pressure. A tincture of the bark is used to relieve toothache. The branches are harvested in late spring or early summer and are dried for later use. The fruit has a tonic effect on kidney energy. It is used in the treatment of urinary incontinence, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia due to anaemia, neurasthenia, hypertension, diabetes, premature greying of the hair and constipation in the elderly. The root bark is antiasthmatic, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of asthma, coughs, bronchitis, oedema, hypertension and diabetes. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for later use. The bark is anthelmintic and purgative, it is used to expel tape worms. anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-microbic, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-cancer;
37 Prunus persica (L.) Stokes ROSACEAE Tree The leaves are astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide and mildly sedative. They are used internally in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. They also help to relieve vomiting and morning sickness during pregnancy, though the dose must be carefully monitored because of their diuretic action. The dried and powdered leaves have sometimes been used to help heal sores and wounds. The leaves are harvested in June and July then dried for later use. The flowers are diuretic, sedative and vermifuge. They are used internally in the treatment of constipation and oedema. A gum from the stems is alterative, astringent, demulcent and sedative. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, emollient, haemolytic, laxative and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of constipation in the elderly, coughs, asthma and menstrual disorders. The bark is demulcent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. The root bark is used in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice. The bark is harvested from young trees in the spring and is dried for later use.
38 Sapium sebiferum (L.) Dum.Cours. EUPHORBIACEAE Tree The leaves and the roots are depurative, diuretic and laxative. A decoction is used in the treatment of oedema, constipation, poisoning by two plants - Polygonum perfoliatum and Tripterygium wilfordii, skin diseases etc. The leaves are particularly useful for treating boils. The seed is anti-dote, emetic, hydragogue and purgative. In China it is taken internally, which is a rather questionable practice considering its toxic nature. The root bark is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of snake bites and skin ulcers. The juice of the tree (the sap is probably meant here) is acrid and vesicant.