Root: Bark is purgative, thirst-causing, depurative; for blennorrhagia. Bark extract for herpes; used internally for syphilis and externally as a lotion on syphilitic ulcers. Administered as powder macerated in sugar-water, wine or beer.

Stem: Latex is caustic, for treating ulcers, dartre (skin diseases) and scabies.

Flower: Bitter, caustic. In French Guiana the flowers are an ingredient in a complex pectoral syrup for chest coughs and grippe.

Seed: For dysentery (bloody flux).

------------------

Origin

Native to West Indies; cultivated in Indian gardens.

Action:

Root bark—used in blennorrhagia.

Bark and latex—used externally in herpes, syphilitic ulcers and scabies.

Seed—haemostatic.

1) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017.

2) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p  504.