The related species S. hookeriana has been used in TCM. These notes refer to that species. Steroidal alkaloids have been found in the plant which have antileishmaniasis activity in vitro.

The Sarcococca genus (Buxaceae) consists of about 20 species, widely distributed in the southwestern region of China and other south Asian countries [ Editorial Committee of Flora of China . Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae. Volume 45. Science Press; Beijing, China: 2004. pp. 41–56.]. The members of Sarcococca plants are used as TCM and traditional folk medicine for the treatment of stomach pain, rheumatism, swollen sore throat and traumatic injury.