Grewia African vs Cajanus cajan

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Grewia African

Grewia mollis

Nutritive

Nutritive

Grewia African

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cajanus cajan

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

East African tree bark used for anemia and general weakness.

Tropical legume staple; leaves and roots used in Caribbean and African folk medicine for anemia and sickle cell.

Active Compounds

Flavonoids, Tannins, Saponins, Mucilage

cajanol, cajanin, flavonoids, protein, iron, folic acid

Traditional Uses

Anemia, Malaria, Diarrhea, General weakness

sickle cell pain, anemia, digestive complaints, fever, skin conditions

Modern Uses

Nutritive tonic, Anti-anemic, Antimicrobial

anti-sickling (cajanol), nutritive food, anti-inflammatory, wound healing

Adult Dosage

3-5g bark decoction daily

Leaf tea 5-10g 2x/day; seeds as food

Contraindications

Pregnancy

legume allergy, pregnancy (high leaf doses)

Side Effects

GI upset

GI upset, bloating

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E