Range. Tropical and temperate Asia. Grows naturally throughout Myanmar, but most commonly in tropical evergreen forests; also cultivated.

Uses.
Leaf: Sour, with heating properties. Used to treat symptoms of heat stroke and to relieve diarrhea. The liquid from lightly boiling the leaves in water is used to treat malaria, as well as constipation and bloating. A mixture made with salt, tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit, and chili pepper, crushed together with the young leaves that have soaked in black pepper water, is taken to alleviate symptoms of jaundice and gall bladder disease. The young leaves are also soaked in water overnight and taken to cure maladies that cause fatigue and bloating. Additionally, they are crushed and applied externally to alleviate symptoms caused by a swollen liver.

Flower: With cooling properties, the sweet flowers are used to reduce phlegm.

Fruit: Bitter and with cooling properties, used to treat skin infections and promote digestion as well as to alleviate constipation, gastric disease, stomachaches caused by gas, and circulatory problems. The ripe fruit is used as detergent for washing hair.

Leaf and Fruit: A decoction of leaves and fruits is taken for constipation. A decoction of fruit is used in shampoo to strengthen the hair. Crushed fruit, applied topically as a remedy for skin problems, is also an ingredient in preparations used to neutralize venomous snakebites. One cup of liquid from the fruit decoction is used to induce vomiting to save those who have attempted suicide by ingesting arsenic and lime juice.

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Origin:
Tropical jungles throughout India, especially in the Deccan.

Action:
Febrifuge, expectorant, emetic, spasmolytic, diuretic, antidiarrhoeal.

Leaves—an infusion is given in malarial fever.

Pods and seeds—decoction is used to remove dandruff (known as Shikaakaai), extensively used as a detergent. An ointment is used for skin diseases.

Bark—extract is used in leprosy.

1) DeFilipps, Robert A.; Krupnick, Gary A. / PhytoKeys, v. 102. - - p. 1 - 314,  2018.

2) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p. 836.