The properties of Bahuphali
Central and North West India and Pakistan to north and tropical Africa and Cape Verde Islands. Common in sandy clay and saline or gravelly areas from sea level to 1000 m, in arid and semi-arid regions throughout Pakistan.
Corchorus Depressus contains sitosterol glucoside, sitosterol, apigenin, luteolin, and α-amyrin. It also contains oleanic acid, cordepressic acid, cordepressenic acid, and cordepressin. Flowers and leaves contain quercetin and kaemferol.
Mucilage of Corchorus Depressus is used for the treatment of gonorrhea. Leaves are used for the treatment of heat stroke and for retention in urine. It is reported that an extract of the plant is used for the treatment of hepatitis, itching in urine, and prolong bleeding of menses. It is also used as an aphrodisiac for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and impotency.
The plant is sold by herbalists and Ayurvedic doctors under the name Munderi.