Platycarya strobilacea vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Platycarya strobilacea

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Platycarya strobilacea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

An East Asian tree in the walnut family used in folk medicine for skin conditions and as an astringent.

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

Active Compounds

tannins, flavonoids, juglone derivatives

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

Traditional Uses

Skin conditions, Astringent use, Anti-inflammatory herb

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

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory research, Limited studies

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

Adult Dosage

2g dried bark as tea

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy caution

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Mild reactions

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