Amorpha canescens vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Amorpha canescens

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Amorpha canescens

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

North American prairie legume used by Plains Indians for eczema, wounds, and rheumatic pain.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

rotenoids, flavonoids, amorpha-4,11-diene, tannins

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

Eczema in Plains Indian medicine, Wound healing, Rheumatic pain, Diarrhea treatment

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory effects, Antimicrobial, Wound healing

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

5-10 g dried leaf as decoction; topical paste on skin

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Rotenoid content

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Skin irritation topically

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E