Saraphi vs Tamanu

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Saraphi

Mammea siamensis

Skin and Topical

Calophyllum inophyllatum

Skin and Topical

Saraphi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tamanu

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

A Thai medicinal tree used in traditional medicine for skin conditions and as an insecticide.

A coastal tree whose nut oil is prized for remarkable skin healing properties across Polynesia and Southeast Asia.

Active Compounds

mammein, mammeisin, sarapin, coumarins

Calophyllolide, Inophyllum compounds, Xanthones, Friedelin

Traditional Uses

skin infections, scabies, hair conditions

Wound healing, Burns, Skin infections, Joint pain

Modern Uses

insecticidal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory skin treatment, Antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

Topical application only

Apply oil directly to affected skin 2-3x daily

Contraindications

pregnancy

Nut allergy, Internal use

Side Effects

skin irritation

Skin irritation (rare), Allergic reactions

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E