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The roots are hypnotic, hypotensive and sedative. They are used particularly in the treatment of hypertension, where they are said to cause a lowering of the blood pressure without dangerous side effects.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal
Montane forests at altitudes of 800-1500 m asl.
Also known as Serpentine wood, it is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat snakebites.
Erect, evergreen shrub, merely 15 to 45 cm tall.
Stems usually unbranched, slender, straw colored.
Its leaves are large, in whorls of three - dark green above and pale green below.
The flowers are white, pinkish or red, occurring in whorls.
Its fruit are tiny, oval, fleshy which turn a shiny purple-black when ripe.
Flowering and Fruiting: March-May