An annual erect herb, 30-150 cm. high. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, lobed or coarsely toothed; flowers campanulate, blue or light purple, axillary; fruit a globose berry, enclosed in an enlarged 5-angled calyx; seeds many, compressed, sub-discoid.

Diuretic, anthelmintic, stimulates the central nervous system, repels insects and hypothermic (plant).

PIER

Nicandrin and withanolide (seed); steroids (leaf)

As a diuretic (plant); in the treatment of contagious disorders, toothache, intestinal pain from worms and impotence (seeds).

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