Crotalaria juncea vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Crotalaria juncea

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Crotalaria juncea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South Asian fiber crop; seeds and leaves used in folk medicine for skin conditions and as fiber source.

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

Active Compounds

monocrotaline, protein, fiber, alkaloids

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

Traditional Uses

fiber crop, skin conditions (external), wound healing

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

Modern Uses

fiber production, topical wound care

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

Adult Dosage

Topical leaf paste only

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

internal use (pyrrolizidine alkaloids), pregnancy

allergy to shea

Side Effects

hepatotoxicity 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