Calotropis vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Calotropis

Calotropis procera

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Calotropis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Widespread tropical weed used across Africa and Asia in traditional medicine, though toxic requiring very careful use.

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

Active Compounds

calotropin, calactin, uzarigenin, calotoxin, cardenolides

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

Traditional Uses

African wound herb, Ayurvedic skin disease, Egyptian folk medicine

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

Modern Uses

skin diseases (topical), antiparasitic (very low dose)

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

Adult Dosage

Topical use only - latex diluted for skin

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

internal use (highly toxic), undiluted latex on skin, pregnancy

allergy to shea

Side Effects

skin irritation, serious toxicity if ingested

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