Mikania micrantha vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Mikania micrantha

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Mikania micrantha

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Invasive tropical Asteraceae used widely in traditional medicine across Asia and Pacific for wound healing and fever.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

mikanolide, dihydromikanolide, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

Wound healing across tropical traditions, Fever treatment, Malaria management

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial effects, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

Fresh leaf paste on wounds; 5-10 g leaf decoction

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Allergic to sesquiterpene lactones

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Skin sensitization, GI upset

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E