Jagua is not only used for creating temporary tattos, but is cultivated for its edible fruit, which are made into drinks, jelly, sherbet and used in ice cream. It is also said to be useful for treatment of candiru attacks.The liquid has an astringent effect. When the liquid oxidizes, it stains the skin black. These stains are permanent, but only color the top layer of skin, and thus disappear after about a fortnight, when the skin is naturally shed. As South Americans Indians went into battle, they used to paint themselves with Genipa juice and annatto.

The ripened fruit of Huito is often eaten raw or made into jam. The fruit is brewed into a tea and taken as a remedy for bronchitis.