Smilax aspera vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Smilax aspera

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Smilax aspera

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Prickly climbing vine of the Mediterranean with red berries, European sarsaparilla used for skin conditions.

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

Active Compounds

diosgenin, sarsaponin, flavonoids, steroidal saponins, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Traditional Mediterranean blood purifier for skin diseases, Used in Southern European folk medicine for rheumatism and syphilis

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

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory, Skin disease treatment, Blood purifier, Diuretic

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

Adult Dosage

Tea: 3-5g root per cup 2x/day

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy in high doses

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Mild gastrointestinal effects

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