Dracaena cinnabari vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Dracaena cinnabari

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Dracaena cinnabari

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

The iconic Socotra island dragon tree with dragon blood resin used in folk medicine similarly to D. draco.

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

Active Compounds

dracorhodin, flavonoids, tannins, resins

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

Traditional Uses

Wound healing, Antimicrobial use, Anti-inflammatory herb

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

Modern Uses

Wound care, Antimicrobial activity

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

Adult Dosage

Topical resin as needed

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Critically endangered — no collection, Rare sensitivity

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Mild reactions

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