Alchornea vs Vana Tulsi

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Alchornea

Alchornea cordifolia

Antimicrobial

Ocimum gratissimum

Antimicrobial

Alchornea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vana Tulsi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

West African tree leaf for infections, wounds, and inflammatory conditions.

Shrubby basil of Africa and Asia; one of three Tulsi varieties used in Ayurveda; also widely used across Africa for infections and malaria.

Active Compounds

Alchorneine, Gentisic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid

eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, beta-caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid

Traditional Uses

Wound infections, Diarrhea, Respiratory infections, STIs

Adaptogenic tonic in Ayurveda (Vana Tulsi variety), Malaria and fever across Africa, Wound healing in African medicine, Respiratory infections

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial research, Anti-inflammatory, Antiprotozoal studies

Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

3-5g dried leaf in tea or 2-4ml tincture

2–4 g dried herb as tea; diluted essential oil; 2–3 mL tincture

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Nursing

Anticoagulant medications, Pregnancy in large doses

Side Effects

Mild digestive upset

Blood thinning, GI irritation in high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E