Although the seed is used in Traditional Herbal Medicine and as a condiment, it does contain hallucinogenic and narcotic alkaloids.This remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a qualified practitioner since excessive doses cause vomiting and hallucinations.The fruit and seed are digestive, diuretic, hallucinogenic, narcotic and uterine stimulant. They are taken internally in the treatment of stomach complaints, urinary and sexual disorders, epilepsy, menstrual problems, mental and nervous illnesses. The seed has also been used as an anthelmintic in order to rid the body of tapeworms.

A dye can be obtained from this plant

It is an entheogen. It contains harmaline and other alkaloids which can inhibit MAO and stimulate various receptors in the brain. Ingestion may cause hallucinations, confusion, ataxia, nausea and vomiting.Frison G. et al. 2008.Forensic Sci Internat., 179, e37.