The fruit, and bark of Marorphali are astringent in gripes, anti-diarrheal, and anthelmintic. They are used most commonly in the treatment of intestinal complaints such as griping in the bowels, and flatulence, diarrhea, dysentery, and worm infestation.
Rich in antioxidants of therapeutic importance, the pods are also used medicinally to help develop physical toughness and endurance in individuals. The pods of the plant grow facing two different directions and are referred to as valam piri (left twist) and idam piri (right twist) in Kerala – where the extract is used to treat colic ailments in adults and children. Referred to as murud shenga in Maharashtra – as a reference to the crimping patterns on the outside, where it is also used in a medicinal capacity for new-born babies, in order to improve their gut health before feeding them solid foods.
The medicinal properties of these wild pods are also instrumental in treating developmental disorders in children. According to Ayurvedic medicine, the marod phali pods are capable of balancing the vatta (air) and kapha (phlegm) in the upper and lower parts of our bodies. Along with aiding in blood purification, it also helps regulate the use of sugar molecules in the intestine. For external use, a paste made with the marod phali pods and bark can soothe skin irritation and lighten pigmentation. It is believed that ancient folk medicine also used the pods from the plant to treat snake bites. The quinolone alkaloid and tannins present in the astringent spice can be particularly beneficial to those suffering from the passing of loose stools and diarrhoea.