Kopsia fruticosa vs Bursera simaruba

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Kopsia fruticosa

Analgesic

Analgesic

Kopsia fruticosa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Bursera simaruba

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Ornamental shrub of Southeast Asia with pink flowers, used in traditional Malay and Indonesian medicine.

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

Active Compounds

kopsinine, kopsinilam, flavonoids, alkaloids

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

Traditional Uses

Traditional Malay medicine for pain and fever, Used in Indonesian folk medicine for skin conditions and infections

wounds, pain, infections, fever, inflammation

Modern Uses

Analgesic action, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Traditional tropical medicine

anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, vulnerary

Adult Dosage

Traditional use with caution; toxic alkaloids present

Resin applied topically or 2-5g bark internally

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Children

pregnancy, resin allergy

Side Effects

Alkaloid toxicity at high doses, Gastrointestinal upset

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