Xylopia consists of dried matured fruits of Xylopia aethiopica. An evergreen, aromatic tree growing up to 15m high; bark slightly ridged. A fruit extract, or a decoction of the bark, is useful in the treatment of bronchitis and dysenteric conditions. It is also used as a medicine for biliousness and febrile pains. The fruit is anthelmintic, antitussive, carminative, emmenagogue, purgative and a rubefacient to counter pain. The fruits are particularly recommended as a tonic both for women who wish to improve their fertility and for those who have recently given birth. The plant is said to contain anonaceine, which is an alkaloid resembling morphine in action according to some authorities, and according to others is a glycoside. The fruit contains a volatile aromatic oil, a fixed oil and rutin