Thanakha Bark vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Thanakha Bark

Limonia acidissima

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Thanakha Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Fragrant wood used by Burmese women as a cosmetic paste and medicinal treatment for skin and fever.

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

Active Compounds

marmelosin, psoralen, coumarins, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

cosmetic paste preparation, sun protection, treatment of acne and skin conditions

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

Modern Uses

skin protection, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

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

Adult Dosage

Topical paste application; fruit edible as food

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

photosensitivity - psoralen content

allergy to shea

Side Effects

photosensitization with UV exposure

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