Strophanthus Gratus Herb vs Auricularia Auricula

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Strophanthus Gratus Herb

Strophanthus gratus

Cardiovascular

Auricularia auricula-judae

Cardiovascular

Strophanthus Gratus Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Auricularia Auricula

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

West African liana whose seeds yield ouabain used by hunters as arrow poison and by cardiologists for heart conditions.

A culinary and medicinal mushroom used in TCM for cardiovascular conditions and blood thinning.

Active Compounds

ouabain, g-strophanthin, cymarin, strophanthidin

beta-glucans, acidic polysaccharides, ergosterol, melanin

Traditional Uses

arrow poison in West African hunting, emergency cardiac treatment in early medicine, heart failure treatment before digoxin era

blood thinning, cholesterol, cardiovascular health, immune support

Modern Uses

cardiac glycoside, sodium pump inhibitor, vasopressor

antiplatelet, hypolipidemic, immunostimulant, anti-tumor

Adult Dosage

Medical use only - intravenous pharmaceutical ouabain only

1-3g daily or food amounts

Contraindications

pregnancy, kidney disease, children

anticoagulant medications

Side Effects

severe cardiac toxicity, death from plant ingestion

antiplatelet effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E