ABSTRACT
Seeds and latex used for tumors, cancer, and condyloma. Seeds gargled with vinegar and rice water for cancer of the mouth. Leaf infusion used in Costa Rica to prevent baldness. Leaf infusion gargled for tonsilitis. Bolivians press leaves on aching body parts. Seeds are reportedly aphrodisiac, astringent, cordial, expectorant (laxative and vermifuge), and febrifugal. Astringent febrifugal fruit pulp is used for dysentery and kidney disease. The reddish paste is applied as an unguent to burns. Considered a cosmetic, dye, food, hair dressing, medicine, ornamental tree, and vitamin source. In India, where the useful ornamental weed tree has established itself, as it has pantropically, leaves are used for jaundice and snakebite, the root bark for fevers, including malaria. Fruits are considered astringent and laxative. The plant is also recommended for gonorrhea (MPI). The hot water extracts potently inhibit lens aldose reductase, perhaps due to isoscutellarein (X1814628).
