A twining shrub with striate branches. Leaves opposite, imparipinnately compound with 3-7 leaflets: terminal leaflet larger than laterals; inflorescence terminal with few-flowered (at times single-flowered) cymes, shorter than leaves; flowers white with 4-5 lobes, fragrant; fruit elliptic globose, black when ripe.

Analgesic, febrifuge (leaves); aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic, galactogogue and tonic (flowers); anti-depressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactagogue, parturient, sedative and uterine (oil).

Plants for a Future

Benzyl acetate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, indole, benzyl benzoate, cis-jasmone, geraniol, methyl anthranilate.

Applied to corns and ear discharges (leaf juice); ringworm infection (root); depression, nervous tension, impotence, frigidity, menstrual disorders and weak digestion (oil).

Due to its emmenagogue properties it should not be used in pregnancy.

Sharma PV. Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants.