Calabar Bean vs Pegaga

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Calabar Bean

Physostigma venenosum

Nootropic

Pegaga

Centella asiatica (Malay)

Nootropic

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Calabar Bean

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pegaga

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

West African legume historically used as ordeal poison by the Efik people of Nigeria, now source of physostigmine for glaucoma and Alzheimer treatment.

Malay traditional herb identical to Gotu Kola but used in distinct Malaysian Jamu preparations for cognitive support, wound healing, and leprosy treatment.

Active Compounds

physostigmine, eserine, calabarine, physovenine, phytosterols

asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Ordeal trial poison in Efik Nigerian tradition, Death penalty execution in some West African societies, Wound and snake bite in limited folk use

Cognitive enhancement, Wound healing, Skin conditions, Venous insufficiency

Modern Uses

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition (pharmaceutical source), Glaucoma treatment (pharmaceutical), Alzheimer research

Memory enhancement, Wound healing acceleration, Anxiolytic effects, Venous tonic activity

Adult Dosage

Pharmaceutical use only - all crude plant parts highly toxic; no herbal preparation recommended

300-680mg extract 3x daily; fresh herb as food; tea 2-3 cups

Contraindications

Virtually all herbal use contraindicated, Pregnancy, Nursing, Any cardiac or neurological condition

Liver disease, Pregnancy high doses

Side Effects

Convulsions, Bradycardia, Respiratory failure, Death with crude preparations

Hepatotoxicity risk at high doses, Drowsiness

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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