Kemukha is primarily used by Ayurveda in the treatment of disturbances in lipid metabolism like obesity, hyperlipidaemia. It is also considered useful in the management of diabetes. It is thought to cause contraction in the uterine muscles. Therefore, has also been used to correct irregular menstruation and during parturition.
Tubers has a large amount of starch. Diosgenin and tigogenin have been isolated from the rhizome.