Millettia pinnata vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Millettia pinnata

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Millettia pinnata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Indian coastal legume tree used in Ayurveda for skin diseases and whose seed oil has diverse medical applications.

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

Active Compounds

pongamol, karanjin, tannins, fatty acids

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

Traditional Uses

Skin diseases in Ayurveda, Rheumatism treatment, Wound healing

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

Modern Uses

Antifungal effects, Anti-inflammatory, Wound healing

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

Adult Dosage

Oil applied topically; bark decoction 3-6 g

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Internal seed oil - toxic, Pregnancy

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Skin irritation

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