Balanites Aegyptiaca vs Costus speciosus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Balanites Aegyptiaca

Balanites aegyptiaca

Metabolic

Metabolic

Balanites Aegyptiaca

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Costus speciosus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Desert-adapted tree used across North and sub-Saharan Africa for schistosomiasis control, diabetes, malaria, and as a nutritional food plant.

Tropical ornamental with steroidal compounds; leaves used to lower blood sugar in diabetic conditions.

Active Compounds

diosgenin, yamogenin, balanites saponins, quercetin, balanitin

diosgenin, dioscin, gracillin, kaempferol, quercetin

Traditional Uses

Schistosomiasis prevention, Diabetes management, Malaria, Constipation

diabetes, rheumatism, fever, constipation, bronchitis

Modern Uses

Antischistosomal activity, Antidiabetic effects, Antimalarial properties, Hepatoprotective potential

antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antifungal

Adult Dosage

Fruit extract: 1-2g daily; bark decoction 1 cup twice daily

3-6g leaf powder or dried leaf tea daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Hypoglycemia medications

pregnancy, hypoglycemia medications

Side Effects

Digestive upset, Hypoglycemia risk

hypoglycemia, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E