Thevetia peruviana vs Melilot

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Thevetia peruviana

Cascabela thevetia

Cardiovascular

Melilotus officinalis

Cardiovascular

Thevetia peruviana

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Melilot

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical ornamental tree; cardiac glycoside-rich seeds are extremely toxic but used carefully in folk medicine.

Aromatic clover relative used in European folk medicine for vascular insufficiency and lymphedema, source of coumarin.

Active Compounds

thevetin A, thevetin B, peruvoside, neriifolin

coumarin, melilotoside, dicoumarol precursors, quercetin, kaempferol

Traditional Uses

cardiac conditions (historical/toxic), skin conditions (external)

Venous insufficiency and varicose veins in European folk medicine, Lymphedema and swelling, Thrombophlebitis, Wound healing

Modern Uses

cardiac glycoside source (research), reference only

Venotonic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticoagulant activity, Lymphagogue

Adult Dosage

Not recommended; potentially lethal

2-4g dried herb tea 2x daily; 2-3ml tincture 2x daily

Contraindications

all internal use (lethal cardiac glycosides), pregnancy

Anticoagulant medications, Pregnancy, Liver disease, Damaged or moldy herb produces dicoumarol

Side Effects

fatal cardiac arrhythmia if ingested

Headache, Nausea, Potential anticoagulant interactions

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E