Dr. Oje is one of the many medicinal trees of the Amazon. Locals take the latex from the base of the tree as vermifuge, to remove intestinal worms and parasites, drinking one cup fresh mixed with orange juice and sugar. Those who take this purge must avoid greasy and salty foods for a week; they can not receive direct sun, and must avoid being seen by strangers to the family. (Those not following this diet may become “overo” with white skin pigmentation.)
The latex is also used to rub onto rheumatic inflammations.

A member of the Moraceae Family, the principal active biochemicals are lavandul, phyllosanthine, eloxanthine, beta amyrin, and phyllanthol. The proportion of each varies among the different varieties.

The latex is processed into powder in Iquitos and is currently exported worldwide as treatment for parasites.