Mesembryanthemum crystallinum vs Fomes Fomentarius

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Skin and Topical

Fomes fomentarius

Skin and Topical

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Fomes Fomentarius

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Succulent annual from South Africa and Mediterranean with glistening water-filled cells; leaves eaten as food medicine.

A bracket fungus used across Northern Europe and Siberia traditionally as tinder and in folk medicine.

Active Compounds

pinitol, ononitol, betaine, oxalic acid, malic acid, flavonoids

fomentarins, polyphenols, triterpenoids

Traditional Uses

Traditional South African use as wound healer, Used as anti-inflammatory and for skin conditions

wound healing, hemostasis, immune support, inflammation

Modern Uses

Wound healing, Skin moisturizer, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory topical

hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant

Adult Dosage

Leaves eaten fresh or applied topically

1-3g extract daily

Contraindications

Kidney stones from oxalates

autoimmune conditions

Side Effects

Oxalate accumulation at high intake

generally well tolerated

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E