Heliconia bihai vs Pentadesma butyracea

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Heliconia bihai

Skin and Topical

Skin and Topical

Heliconia bihai

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pentadesma butyracea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Caribbean and South American Heliconiaceae; leaves used as wound dressing; bark as folk febrifuge.

West African tree producing fat similar to shea butter; bark and leaves used medicinally.

Active Compounds

flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids

pentadesmic acid, xanthones, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids

Traditional Uses

wound healing, fever, skin conditions

skin conditions, wound healing, fever, digestive disorders

Modern Uses

wound poultice, antipyretic, antimicrobial dressing

emollient, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing

Adult Dosage

Leaf poultice topically; bark tea 5-10g 2x/day

Topical application; 3-6g leaf tea internally

Contraindications

pregnancy

nut allergy

Side Effects

mild GI upset

generally safe

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E