Aloe marlothii vs Ricinus communis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Aloe marlothii

Digestive

Digestive

Aloe marlothii

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ricinus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Large tree aloe of northeastern South Africa and Swaziland with horizontal orange flower spikes.

Tropical shrub whose seeds yield castor oil (laxative) and deadly ricin toxin; wide traditional use.

Active Compounds

aloin, emodin, barbaloin, anthrones, anthraquinones

ricinoleic acid, ricin (toxic in seeds), ricinine, fatty acids

Traditional Uses

Traditional Swazi and Zulu use for digestive conditions and wound healing, Used as laxative and topical wound healer in Southern African traditions

constipation, skin conditions, hair growth, labor induction, inflammation

Modern Uses

Laxative action, Wound healing topically, Anti-inflammatory, Traditional digestive herb

castor oil laxative, skin moisturizer, hair growth stimulation, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Latex: 20mg aloin/day for constipation; Gel topically

Castor oil: 15-60ml as laxative; topical for skin/hair

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Kidney disease, Inflammatory bowel, Children

bowel obstruction, pregnancy (avoid as laxative), seeds ingestion

Side Effects

Cramping, Electrolyte disturbance

GI cramping, diarrhea, seed ingestion causes ricin poisoning

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E