Silphium perfoliatum vs Pterocarpus santalinus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Silphium perfoliatum

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory

Silphium perfoliatum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pterocarpus santalinus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Large North American prairie herb used by Native Americans as medicine for fever, rheumatism, and liver support.

South Indian tree with red heartwood used in Ayurveda for inflammation, skin conditions, and cooling therapy.

Active Compounds

resin, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, silphiperfolene

santalin A, santalin B, pterostilbene, flavonoids, savinin

Traditional Uses

fever, rheumatism, liver complaints, indigestion

skin conditions, inflammation, fever, liver disease, diabetes

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, digestive tonic, fever management

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, skin soothing

Adult Dosage

2-4ml tincture 3x/day; 3-5g dried root tea

1-3g red sandalwood powder as paste or tea 2x/day

Contraindications

Asteraceae allergy, pregnancy

pregnancy, anticoagulants

Side Effects

GI upset

skin staining (red), mild GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E