Carissa macrocarpa vs Auricularia Auricula

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Carissa macrocarpa

Cardiovascular

Auricularia auricula-judae

Cardiovascular

Carissa macrocarpa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Auricularia Auricula

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

South African coastal shrub; edible fruit; bark and roots used in Zulu medicine for heart conditions and infections.

A culinary and medicinal mushroom used in TCM for cardiovascular conditions and blood thinning.

Active Compounds

carissone, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides (traces)

beta-glucans, acidic polysaccharides, ergosterol, melanin

Traditional Uses

heart conditions, infections, skin conditions, food (fruit)

blood thinning, cholesterol, cardiovascular health, immune support

Modern Uses

cardiac tonic (traditional), antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

antiplatelet, hypolipidemic, immunostimulant, anti-tumor

Adult Dosage

Bark decoction 5-10g 2x/day; fruit as food

1-3g daily or food amounts

Contraindications

pregnancy, cardiac conditions (traces of glycosides)

anticoagulant medications

Side Effects

cardiac effects with excess root

antiplatelet effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E