In Brazil today, Tayuya is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, blood purifier and detoxifier, and as a diuretic to treat diarrhea, epilepsy, for metabolism regulation, backache, sciatic pain, headaches, gout, neuralgia, constipation, anemia, cholera, dyspepsia, stomach problems, fatigue and debility, skin disorders, arthritis and rheumatism, syphilis, tumors (especially in the joints), and as a general analgesic for many conditions. Tayuya is currently being researched because of its pain reducing properties, as well as other properties. Natural health practitioners in the U.S. today are using Tayuya to treat irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia and sluggish digestion, neuralgia, sciatica, gout, headaches, rheumatism, and as a metabolic regulator. Because of its effectiveness as a blood purifier and detoxifier, it is also being used to treat water retention, wounds, splotchiness on the face, eczema, herpes, severe acne and other skin problems. It is also being employed in athletic training and recovery to help remove lactic acid accumulations and to reduce swelling and relieve emotional fatigue and depression. Tayuya's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties were validated scientifically in 1991 which supported much of its indigenous and folkloric uses. Cucurbitacins, glucosides, and phytochemicals with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have been isolated in Tayuya. Saponins, sterols, and phenolics are also known to be existent in other plants of the same family. According to the study entitled, "Superoxide scavenging properties of flavonoids in a non-enzymic system," there are phytochemicals in Tayuya which act as potent scavengers of free radicals, providing an anti-oxidant effect. Another recent study conducted by T. Konoshima, et. al., shows that phytochemicals in Tayuya have significant inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus as well as anti-tumor effects on mouse skin.