An erect or suffrutescent, herbaceous perennial. Leaves simple, large, entire, lobed. Flowers blue, in clusters of 2 to 5. Fruit berry, large, yellow or dark purple, different shaped caps with persistent calyx. Seed many, yellow or cream, discoid.

Stimulant and lowers blood cholesterol (seed); analgesic, narcotic (leaf); antihaemorrhoidal and hypotensive (fruit).

Floridata
Plants for a future

Melongosides-A. B. E. F and H (steroidal saponins of seed); alkaloids (leaf); ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, choline, (fruit); ferulic acid (root)

Hemorrhoids, as a stimulant and lowering blood cholesterol (seed). It is also used as an antidote to poisonous mushrooms. It is bruised with vinegar and used as a poultice for cracked nipples, abscesses and haemorrhoids. A decoction is applied to discharging sores and internal haemorrhages. A soothing and emollient poultice for the treatment of burns, abscesses, cold sores and similar conditions can be made from the leaves. Aubergine leaves are toxic and should only be used externally. The ashes of the peduncle are used in the treatment of intestinal haemorrhages, piles and toothache. A decoction of the root is astringent.

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