Stem: Stem and bark are grated into a dental analgesic decoction administered as a mouthwash by the French Guiana Wayapi.

Chemicals: Root contains numerous alkaloids, including tetrahydroprotoberberines, which confirm the plant's analgesic properties.

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