A climbing shrub. Leaves broad ovate, leathery, contain glabrous cavity. Inflorescence panicle. Flowers unisexual, fragrant, pendent. Petals are absent, perianth yellowish green. Fruits are white initially, then turn to dark-red on ripening, subglobose or kidney shaped.

Hypotensive, anticancer and diuretic (aerial part); toxic to birds (berry).

Berberine, palmatine, magnoflorine, columbamine (stem and root); stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids (seed); acetic acid, butyric acid, formic acid, oleic acid, picrotoxin (fruit)

As an insecticide to destroy pediculi and in skin diseases (seed oil); in the treatment of quotidian ague, to treat malaria, foul ulcers and scabies (fresh leaves); epilepsy, paralysis of pharynx and lower limbs (seeds).

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