Puya chilensis vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Puya chilensis

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Puya chilensis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Large Chilean bromeliad whose sap and flower stalks are used in Andean traditional medicine.

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

Active Compounds

saponins, flavonoids, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Andean wound treatment, Food source for wildlife, Traditional fiber use

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

Modern Uses

Wound healing properties, Antimicrobial effects

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

Adult Dosage

Apply sap topically as needed

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Contact dermatitis possible

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Skin irritation in sensitive individuals

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