This plant is distributed throughout Southeast Asia, India, Burma, Indochina, South China, Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Although Sangitan is sometimes considered a weed, it is very famous in China and used as a herb to cure hepatitis. Some local communities utilize its flowers and fruits to be eaten raw or cooked.

Its natural habitat is found in moist primary and secondary forests at an altitude of 300–2,600 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). In Southeast Asia, it is generally found at altitudes above 1,000 m a.s.l. Sangitan can survive in various types of soil, including calcareous soil. However, it prefers moist soil with bright sunlight and is tolerant of light shade.

• Stem (Batang) Round shape, highly branched.

• Leaves (Daun) Compound, with 5–11 leaflets. The leaflets are lanceolate shape, serrated margin, pointed tip (acuminate). The upper surface is dark green, and the lower surface is light green.

• Flower (Bunga) Compound inflorescence with yellow sepals, umbel-shaped (payung), growing from the leaf axils.

• Fruit (Buah) Berry shaped (buni), round, black color.

• Propagation is done by seeds and cuttings.

• Seeds are best planted when ripe. Sow the seeds, and after germination, place them in individual pots. Transfer them to the ground when they are large enough.

• Stem Cuttings: Done by cutting a semi-mature stem 7–10 cm long or a mature stem during the flowering season, 15–20 cm long.

Treats wounds, bone fractures, rheumatism, jaundice, dysentery, bronchitis, edema, cramps, muscle aches and stiffness (pegal linu), acts as a fever reducer, laxative, treats beriberi, diarrhea, and smooths the skin.

Flavonoids, glycosides, anthraquinone glycosides, saponins, steroids/triterpenoids, and tannins.