Barringtonia asiatica vs Vana Tulsi

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Barringtonia asiatica

Antimicrobial

Ocimum gratissimum

Antimicrobial

Barringtonia asiatica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vana Tulsi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Coastal tropical tree used across Asia-Pacific for stunning fish, treating skin diseases, and as antimicrobial.

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

saponins, barringtogenol, flavonoids, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Fish stunning for traditional fishing, Skin diseases in Pacific medicine, Antimicrobial wound treatment

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

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial effects, Anti-inflammatory, Antiparasitic

Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Seed extract topically for skin conditions

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

Contraindications

Internal use - toxic saponins, Pregnancy

Anticoagulant medications, Pregnancy in large doses

Side Effects

Toxicity if ingested

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