Quassia Wood vs Xanthorrhiza simplicissima

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Quassia Wood

Quassia amara

Antimicrobial

Xanthorrhiza simplicissima

Antimicrobial

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Quassia Wood

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Xanthorrhiza simplicissima

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical American tree wood with intensely bitter quassinoids used in folk medicine for digestive conditions, malaria, and head lice treatment.

Small native American shrub with intensely yellow roots rich in berberine; folk remedy for mouth sores and ulcers.

Active Compounds

quassin, neoquassin, isoquassin, simalikalactone D, flavonoids

berberine, magnoflorine, jateorhizine, columbamine

Traditional Uses

Malaria and fever in Surinamese and Caribbean folk medicine, Digestive bitters and appetite stimulation, Head lice treatment topically, Liver conditions

mouth ulcers, sore throat, bitter tonic, digestive aid, liver

Modern Uses

Antimalarial, Digestive bitter, Antipediculotic topically, Anti-inflammatory

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, wound healing

Adult Dosage

0.5-1g dried wood tea 3x daily; apply infusion to scalp for lice

1-2ml tincture or 1-2g root daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Large internal doses cytotoxic, Nursing

pregnancy, neonates

Side Effects

Nausea at high doses, Vomiting, Cytotoxicity with excessive use

GI upset, generally safe at low doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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