Derris elliptica vs Cerbera manghas

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Derris elliptica

Skin and Topical

Skin and Topical

Derris elliptica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cerbera manghas

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Southeast Asian legume vine; rotenone-rich roots used as fish poison and insecticide; limited folk medicinal use.

Coastal Indo-Pacific tree; all parts highly toxic (cerberin); bark used topically in folk medicine for skin.

Active Compounds

rotenone, deguelin, elliptone, flavonoids

cerberin, neriine, oleandrin-related, cardiac glycosides

Traditional Uses

insecticide, fish poisoning, skin diseases (topical)

skin diseases (topical), arrow poison

Modern Uses

natural insecticide, topical antimicrobial (limited)

reference only; extremely toxic

Adult Dosage

Topical use only for parasitic skin conditions

Not recommended for any use

Contraindications

internal use (neurotoxic), Parkinson's risk (rotenone), pregnancy

internal use (lethal), any self-medication

Side Effects

Parkinson's-like symptoms with prolonged exposure, neurotoxicity

cardiac arrest if ingested

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E