Bitter Aloe vs Ricinus communis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bitter Aloe

Aloe ferox

Digestive

Digestive

Bitter Aloe

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ricinus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Large aloe of Southern Africa; Cape aloe juice is one of the strongest laxatives from aloes; leaves also used for skin conditions.

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

Active Compounds

aloin, barbaloin, emodin, aloe-emodin, flavonoids

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

Traditional Uses

Constipation treatment across Southern Africa, Wound healing with gel, Skin conditions, Used by Khoikhoi and other Cape peoples

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

Modern Uses

Stimulant laxative (strong), Wound healing (gel), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

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

Adult Dosage

10–30 mg aloin equivalent at bedtime for constipation; gel topically

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

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Nursing, Children under 12, Inflammatory bowel disease, Kidney disease

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

Side Effects

Strong laxative cramping, Electrolyte depletion, Hepatotoxicity with long-term use

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