Bittersweet Nightshade vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bittersweet Nightshade

Solanum dulcamara

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Bittersweet Nightshade

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

European vine used topically for skin conditions; solanine alkaloids make internal use risky at doses used for skin.

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

Active Compounds

solanine, solamargine, solasonine, dulcamarine, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Topical skin conditions in European herbalism, Eczema and psoriasis, Warts and herpes topically, Gout historically

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

Modern Uses

Topical anti-inflammatory, Keratolytic, Research context

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

Adult Dosage

Topical only; internal small doses under guidance

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Internal use caution, Pregnancy caution, Berries toxic especially to children

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Internal toxicity with high solanine, GI distress internally

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