Ackee vs Mahua

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ackee

Blighia sapida

Metabolic

Madhuca longifolia

Metabolic

Ackee

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Mahua

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Jamaican national fruit tree with medicinal bark and leaves in West African and Caribbean medicine.

An Indian forest tree sacred to tribal communities, whose flowers are eaten and fermented, and bark used medicinally.

Active Compounds

hypoglycin A, leucine, isoleucine, saponins, tannins

Saponins, Quercetin, Myricetin, Beta-carotene

Traditional Uses

West African fever remedy, diabetes management, skin conditions

Diabetes, Bronchitis, Skin conditions, Tonsillitis

Modern Uses

hypoglycemic research, antimicrobial, skin treatment

Anti-diabetic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Wound healing

Adult Dosage

Leaf decoction 1 cup twice daily

5-10g dried flowers or 2-4g bark as decoction

Contraindications

pregnancy, diabetes medications, unripe fruit consumption is toxic

Pregnancy, Diabetes medications

Side Effects

hypoglycemia, vomiting sickness if unripe fruit consumed

GI upset, Intoxication (fermented)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E