Vachellia farnesiana vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Vachellia farnesiana

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Vachellia farnesiana

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Subtropical acacia used in perfumery and folk medicine for skin conditions, eye complaints, and headaches.

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

Active Compounds

farnesol, bisabolol, flavonoids, tannins

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

Traditional Uses

Skin conditions in Mexican folk medicine, Eye complaints, Headache remedy, Perfume ingredient

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

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory effects, Antimicrobial, Wound healing

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

Adult Dosage

5-10 g bark decoction; diluted flower oil

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Flower allergy

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Mild GI upset

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