Rotheca myricoides vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Rotheca myricoides

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Rotheca myricoides

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

East African shrub used in traditional medicine for skin diseases, rheumatism, and fever.

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

Active Compounds

flavonoids, diterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Skin diseases in East African medicine, Rheumatism treatment, Fever reduction

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

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory effects, Antimicrobial

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

Adult Dosage

5-10 g leaf decoction

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy - limited data

allergy to shea

Side Effects

None well documented

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