Momordica foetida vs Butea monosperma

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Momordica foetida

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial

Momordica foetida

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Butea monosperma

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

African cucurbit used in traditional medicine for malaria, diabetes, and skin conditions.

Sacred South Asian tree; gum (Butea gum) and bark used in Ayurveda for digestive conditions and anthelmintic.

Active Compounds

cucurbitacins, charantin, flavonoids

butrin, isobutrin, palastrin, flavonoids, tannins, gum

Traditional Uses

Malaria treatment in East African medicine, Diabetes management, Skin conditions

worm expulsion, diarrhea, liver conditions, skin diseases, diabetes

Modern Uses

Antimalarial effects, Antidiabetic properties, Anti-inflammatory

anthelmintic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic

Adult Dosage

5-10 g leaf or root decoction

Seeds 1-3g powder 2x/day; gum 2-5g dissolved

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Blood sugar medications

pregnancy

Side Effects

GI upset, Hypoglycemia

GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E