Gasteria bicolor vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Gasteria bicolor

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Description

South African succulent with tongue-shaped spotted leaves, used in Xhosa traditional medicine.

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

Active Compounds

anthraquinones, saponins, polysaccharides, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Traditional Xhosa medicine for skin conditions and wound healing, Used in South African folk medicine for burns and inflammation

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

Modern Uses

Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory, Burn treatment, Skin soothing

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

Adult Dosage

Topical gel from leaves for wounds and burns

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

No specific contraindications established

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Rare skin sensitization

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