Tetu is called “Midnight Horror” also because the flowers open at night, emitting a powerful stink that attracts bats to facilitate pollination. The root and stem bark are used for fever, bronchitis, intestinal worms, leucoderma, asthma, inflammation, anal troubles, diarrhea and dysentery. The fruits and seeds are used as an expectorant, purgative and bitter tonic. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the root bark, stem and leaf are prescribed for snake bite.