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''Croton'' comprises about 1200 species and occurs throughout the warmer regions of the world. It is best represented in the Americas; about 65 species occur in continental Africa and about 125 in Madagascar. Almost 40 species from Madagascar are used in medicine, and several of them resemble morphologically ''Croton antanosiensis''.
=== ''Croton anisatus '' and ''ambanivoulensis'' ===
An infusion of the aromatic leafy branches of ''[[Croton anisatus]]'' Baill. or ''[[Croton ambanivoulensis]]'' Baill. is taken to treat dysentery and to calm colic.
An infusion or a steam bath of the aerial parts of ''[[Croton boinensis]]'' Leandri is often taken to treat rheumatism including rheumatoid arthritis.
=== ''Croton catati '' and ''noronhae'' ===
A leaf infusion of ''[[Croton catati]]'' Baill. is taken to treat stomach-ache, cough and shortness of breath. Stem and root bark are used in fumigations to treat malaria. A bitter alcoholic beverage is made from the bark of ''Croton catati'' or ''[[Croton noronhae]]'' Baill., causing euphoria. The beverage can cause severe poisoning even at relatively low intake.
