Solanum Tomentosum Herb vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Solanum Tomentosum Herb

Solanum tomentosm

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Solanum Tomentosum Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South African nightshade used in Zulu and Xhosa folk medicine for skin conditions, arthritis, and as insect deterrent.

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

Active Compounds

solamargine, solasonine, tomatidine, steroids

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

Traditional Uses

treatment of skin disease in Zulu folk medicine, arthritis and joint pain remedy, insect deterrent use

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

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic

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

Adult Dosage

Topical use; small decoctions under guidance

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

pregnancy, children - alkaloid toxicity, liver disease

allergy to shea

Side Effects

nausea, GI irritation

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