ABSTRACT
The seed is used as a poultice for broken bones. It is used internally in the treatment of internal bleeding, diarrhoea and excessive menstruation. The root is known as an effective diuretic. In South-East Asia a decoction of the root is used to treat gonorrhoea and is also applied as an emmenagogue and antipyretic. The Nepalese and some tribes in India apply A. spinosus to induce abortion. In Thai traditional medicine, A. spinosus is used to treat diarrhea. The root is also used for toothaches. In many countries, including those in Africa, the bruised leaves are considered a good emollient and applied externally in cases of ulcerated mouths, eczema, burns, wounds, boils, earache and hemorrhoids The leaves are also used for gastroenteritis, gall bladder inflammation, absesses, colic menorrhagia, arthritis and for the treatment of snakebites. The plant ash in a solution is used to wash sores. The plant sap is used as an eye wash to treat ophthalmia and convulsions in children. In Malaysia, A. spinosus is used as an expectorant and to relieve breathing in acute bronchitis. In mainland South-East Asia, it is also used as a sudorific, febrifuge, an antidote to snake poison, and as a galactagogue. During the rainy season which is also malaria endemic season, A. spinosus bark decoction is taken in a volume of about one liter three times a day to ward off malaria.