The following notes refer to the species of this plant. In traditional herbal medicine the leaves of D.laureola have been used as an emmenagogue, though they can cause purging and vomiting. Both the leaves and the bark have been used to procure abortions[Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ]. The plant contains various toxic compounds and these are currently being investigated (1995) for anti-leukaemia effects [Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995].

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals due to alkaloids and saponins. The plant can irritate skin and may cause skin allergies