Calotropis gigantea vs Onosma echioides

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Calotropis gigantea

Skin and Topical

Skin and Topical

Calotropis gigantea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Onosma echioides

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Pan-tropical weed; latex used in Ayurveda for skin diseases, joint pain, and as purgative; cardiac glycosides.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern herb with red root dye; used in Unani medicine for skin and inflammation.

Active Compounds

calotropin, calactin, uzarigenin, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids

shikonin derivatives, tannins, mucilage, naphthoquinones

Traditional Uses

skin diseases, joint pain, toothache, wounds, laxative

skin diseases, wounds, inflammation, fever

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, analgesic, topical antimicrobial, laxative

anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

Topical latex for skin conditions; 1-2g bark powder (extreme caution)

Topical ointment 2x/day

Contraindications

internal use (cardiac glycosides - toxic), pregnancy, cardiac conditions

pregnancy

Side Effects

cardiac toxicity if ingested, severe skin irritation with latex, GI toxicity

skin staining from red pigments

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E