Agave Plant vs Plumeria alba

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Agave Plant

Agave americana

Digestive

Plumeria alba

Digestive

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Agave Plant

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Plumeria alba

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Massive succulent native to Mexico and the American Southwest used by Aztec and other Mesoamerican peoples as food, fiber, and medicine. The heart is roasted for pulque and tequila.

Caribbean and Central American ornamental tree; bark and flower used in folk medicine for digestive complaints.

Active Compounds

saponins, hecogenin, agavins, fructans

plumericin, flavonoids, essential oils, tannins

Traditional Uses

Traditional Aztec and Mesoamerican medicine, Wound healing, Digestive complaints, Sacred plant in multiple ceremonies

digestive complaints, skin diseases, wound healing

Modern Uses

Prebiotic (agavins), Anti-inflammatory, Wound healing, Antifungal

digestive tonic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing

Adult Dosage

As food freely; leaf gel topically; fructan extract 2-5g daily

Bark decoction 5-10g 2x/day; topical latex

Contraindications

Liver disease (excess fructose from syrup), Allergy to Agave

pregnancy, latex allergy

Side Effects

GI upset with excess, Allergic contact dermatitis from fresh sap

skin irritation, latex reactions

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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