Cephalotaxus harringtonia vs Physalis peruviana

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cephalotaxus harringtonia

Antioxidant

Antioxidant

Cephalotaxus harringtonia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Physalis peruviana

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Japanese and Chinese conifer containing homoharringtonine, used to develop omacetaxine for chronic myeloid leukemia.

Andean fruit with withanolides; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; dried berries as superfood.

Active Compounds

homoharringtonine, harringtonine, cephalotaxine, alkaloids

withanolides, physalins, vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Traditional Chinese medicine use as antitumor herb, Used in Japanese folk medicine for fever and pain

cancer support, diabetes, liver conditions, inflammation, food

Modern Uses

Leukemia treatment via omacetaxine, Anticancer alkaloid research, Anti-inflammatory

anti-cancer (withanolides), anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Pharmaceutical omacetaxine preparation only

As food; 500mg extract 2x/day

Contraindications

All conditions without pharmaceutical processing, Pregnancy

nightshade sensitivity, pregnancy (high withanolide doses)

Side Effects

Myelosuppression, Hemorrhage, Hyperglycemia in pharmaceutical form

GI upset with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E