An annual or biennial herbaceous plant (rarely a short-lived perennial) growing to 1.5-3.5 m tall with a woody base. The stems are 1-2 cm diameter, often but not always branched. The leaves are 10-15 cm long, variable in shape, with leaves near the base of the stems being deeply lobed with 3-7 lobes, while leaves near the top of the stem are shallowly lobed or unlobed lanceolate. The flowers are 8-15 cm diameter, white, yellow, or purple; when white or yellow, the centre is still dark purple. The fruit is a capsule 2 cm diameter, containing several seeds.

Depresses the central nervous system (aerial part); laxative (leaf); analgesic and aphrodisiac (seed).

Purdue University
Plants for a Future
Ecoport

(+)catechin, (-)epicatechin gallate and (-)epigallocatechin gallate (root).

In the treatment of biliousness with acidity (flower juice); to promote weight increase (seeds); in the treatment of coughs, dysentery and bilious, blood and throat disorders (leaf); in the treatment of anaemia, fatigue, lassitude, etc (stem peeling); to control intestinal Guinea worms in Africa (powdered leaf)

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.