A large shrub or small tree, 2-3 m. high. naturalised in various parts of India. Leaves long-petiolate, 7.5-12.5 cm. diam., palmately divided into 5-11 lobes: lobes lanceolate-acute or elliptic-acute; flowers coral-red, borne on many flowered, long-pedunculate, flattopped, terminal cymes; capsules 3-lobed, 2.5 cm long. obovate, smooth, yellowish.
Herb Effects
Laxative (leaf) and antibiotic (saline extract of shoot); purgative, antihelminthic and abortifacient (seeds)
Volatile oil (latex); a saponin (leaf); from a saline extract of shoots.
Pharmacology
Medicinal Use
Ulcers and wounds (latex); as a laxative and for scabies (leaf); for indigestion and colic (decoction of dried root); for treating ascites, gout, paralysis and skin diseases (seeds); rheumatic conditions, itch and parasitic skin diseases, and in the treatment of fever, jaundice and gonorrhoea (seed oil)
Contraindication
The fruit is poisonous and causes vomiting and intense burning pain in the stomach.
Reference
Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.
Health Remedies 
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