Dried leaves were given me by an Egyptian friend who had brought them with him to this country. In India the leaves and tender shoots are eaten. Ayurvedics use the leaves for ascites, pain, piles, and tumors. Elsewhere the leaves are used for cystitis, dysuria, fever, and gonorrhea. The cold infusion is said to restore the appetite and strength.
Leaves contain oxydase and chlorogenic acid.
Toxicity Contains HCN and several cardiac glycosides. Sepals ca 3 mm long, oblong, apiculate. Petals 5 mm long, oblong spathulate. Systematic attempts have been made to grow jute in West Africa, Sudan, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Thailand, Java, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Cow dung and wood ashes are applied as manure.