Macleaya cordata vs Lonchocarpus cyanescens

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Macleaya cordata

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial

Macleaya cordata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lonchocarpus cyanescens

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

East Asian alkaloid-rich herb with sanguinarine; feed additive and research interest for antiparasitic properties.

West African indigo source; bark used in Yoruba medicine for skin conditions and as antimicrobial.

Active Compounds

sanguinarine, chelerythrine, berberine, protopine, allocryptopine

indigotin, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids

Traditional Uses

wound healing, infections, skin diseases, antiparasitic

skin diseases, dye production, infections, wound healing

Modern Uses

topical antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, wound healing

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, dye source

Adult Dosage

Topical applications only

Bark decoction 5-10g 2x/day; topical paste

Contraindications

internal use (toxic), pregnancy

pregnancy

Side Effects

GI toxicity if ingested, skin irritation

skin staining, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E