Prickly Comfrey vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Prickly Comfrey

Symphytum asperum

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Prickly Comfrey

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Caucasian comfrey species widely naturalized; used topically like common comfrey for wound healing and musculoskeletal injuries.

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

Active Compounds

allantoin, rosmarinic acid, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, mucilage

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

Traditional Uses

Wound and bruise healing in Caucasian folk medicine, Musculoskeletal injuries, Fracture support topically

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

Modern Uses

Topical wound healing, Anti-inflammatory topically, Cell proliferation stimulation

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

Adult Dosage

Topical PA-free certified preparations only

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Internal use, Broken skin, Pregnancy

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity internally, Skin irritation from rough hairs

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