Tulbaghia violacea vs Zatoun

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tulbaghia violacea

Cardiovascular

Olea europaea (leaf)

Cardiovascular

Tulbaghia violacea

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Zatoun

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South African perennial with garlic-scented leaves and lilac flowers, important traditional medicine plant.

Mediterranean olive leaf used extensively in North African and Middle Eastern folk medicine for hypertension, diabetes, and antimicrobial purposes.

Active Compounds

allicin, sulfur compounds, tulbaghiins, flavonoids

oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, oleacein, luteolin, apigenin

Traditional Uses

Traditional Zulu and Sotho medicine for fever infections and hypertension, Used by traditional healers across southern Africa for diverse conditions

Hypertension, Diabetes management, Infections, Anti-inflammatory

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial action, Blood pressure reduction, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal

Antihypertensive effects, Antidiabetic activity, Antimicrobial properties, Antioxidant support

Adult Dosage

Leaves as food; Tea: 3-5g per cup 3x/day; Tincture: 2-4ml 3x/day

Leaf tea: 2-3 cups daily; 250-500mg oleuropein extract

Contraindications

Blood pressure medications, Blood thinners

Hypoglycemia medications, Antihypertensives, Pregnancy large doses

Side Effects

Hypotension, Increased bleeding risk

Hypoglycemia risk, Hypotension, Mild GI effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E