Fagara Root vs Bursera simaruba

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Fagara Root

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides

Analgesic

Analgesic

Fagara Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Bursera simaruba

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

The roots of the African prickly ash tree used in West African traditional medicine for sickle cell disease.

Central American and Caribbean tree with resin sacred in Mesoamerican cultures; diverse medicinal uses.

Active Compounds

fagaronine, benzophenanthridine alkaloids, zanthoxylum

alpha-pinene, limonene, alpha-copaene, sesquiterpenes, triterpenoids, copalic acid

Traditional Uses

sickle cell disease, pain, infections, fever

wounds, pain, infections, fever, inflammation

Modern Uses

antisickling, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, vulnerary

Adult Dosage

3-9g root daily

Resin applied topically or 2-5g bark internally

Contraindications

pregnancy

pregnancy, resin allergy

Side Effects

generally well tolerated

contact dermatitis, GI upset internally

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E