Infusion of roots said to remove urine concretions. Young leaves, and to lesser degree, other parts, contain carpain, an active bitter alkaloid, which has a depressing action on heart. Plant is strong amoebicide. Externally the latex is irritant, dermatogenic, and vescicant. Internally it causes severe gastritis.
Some people are allergic to the pollen, the fruit, and the latex.
Papain can induce asthma and rhinitis. The acrid fresh latex can cause severe conjunctivitis and vesication. When the sexes are separate, fruits set on the female plant only when pollen is carried from male plants. One male tree is needed for each 25 or so female plants, but one cannot determine the male trees until they flower, about 12 months after germination. In perfect-flowered cvs, seed is more likely to come true than in pistillate plants.