A large evergreen shrub. Leaves opposite, elliptic-oblong, 5 to 18 cm long and 2.5 to 8 cm wide, base rounded, short-mucrunate apex, shining above and glaucous-white beneath; petioles 0.5 to 1.2 cm long. Flowers greenish-yellow borne in axillary cyme; calyx lobes 5, acute, ovate-lanceolate; corolla lobes 5, oblong-lanceolate, acute. Fruit follicles, 5 to 10 cm long, green, divaricate, tapering to a blunt point.
Herb Effects
The root has alternative, aphrodisiac, refrigerant, diuretic and tonic properties; depresses central nervous system, lowers blood pressure and antiamphetaminic (50% EtOH stem and root extract); stimulates lactation (plant).
Chemistry
Active Ingredients
6-O-nicotinoyl-alpha-glucopyranose and 1.3.6-O-trinicotinoyl-L-glucopyranose (stem alkaloids); from 50% EtOH stem and root extract.
Pharmacology
Medicinal Use
For rickets and stimulating lactation (plant); cuts (latex). Used to treat polyuria, haemorrhage, gout, wounds, leprosy and jaundice.
Reference
Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.
Uniyal et al., Medicinal Flora of Garhwal Himalayas.
Health Remedies 
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