Deciduous shrub 1.5 m high with annual shoots. Leaves very variable in shape, pinnate 15-25 cm long, with numerous ovate to oblong leaflets. Lamina dull green with scattered hairs above, paler and more hairy beneath. Flowers greenish-yellow, 1.5 cm long, in terminal erect raceme, 10-20 cm long. Pods brown, narrowed between the seeds.

Anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antipruritic, astringent, bitter, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, parasiticide, pectoral, stomachic and tonic (root); anthelmintic and diuretic (plant)

Plants for a Future

Matrine, oxymatrine (root)

Adjunct to cancer therapy, Short-term benefits were noted in the treatment of arrhythmia, especially in cases of coronary disease and particularly in premature beats, treatment of cervix erosion, in the treatment of jaundice, dysentery, diarrhoea and urinary infections, eczema, pruritis, ringworm, leprosy, syphilis, scabies and itching allergic reactions.