Toxic plant: Plant is very toxic, and a slight overdosage may be fatal.

Whole plant: French Guiana Palikur employ a saline decoction to thin the bile. For gastric disturbances; purgative; for visceral obstructions; bitter, febrifuge. Used as laxative in NW Guyana.

Stem: Sap used for bete rouge, itches and eczema in NW Guyana.

Leaf: The Guyana Arawak use an infusion of leaves to treat smallpox. Decoction is employed to bathe sores and is drunk to treat colds, jaundice, and to cleanse the blood. Leaf and leaf-juice are used to treat eczema. Used for sores, ground itch, coughs and colds, fever, biliousness, malaria.