Furcraea foetida vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Furcraea foetida

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Description

Large succulent of Caribbean related to agave, used in traditional medicine across tropical Americas.

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

Active Compounds

saponins, furcraein, hecogenin, vitamins

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

Traditional Uses

Traditional Caribbean folk medicine for wounds and skin conditions, Used in folk medicine across tropical Americas for digestive conditions

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

Modern Uses

Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive support, Fiber source

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

Adult Dosage

Topical sap; Leaf juice for wounds

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Skin irritation from raw sap

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Skin dermatitis

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