Voacanga africana vs Psychotria nervosa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Voacanga africana

Nervine

Nervine

Voacanga africana

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Psychotria nervosa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

West African tree; source of ibogaine precursor voacangine; used in traditional medicine for stimulation.

Florida native Rubiaceae; leaves used by Seminole in folk medicine; related to psychedelic Psychotria.

Active Compounds

voacangine, voacamine, tabersonine, vobasine, ibogaine precursors

purine alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins

Traditional Uses

fatigue, stimulant, traditional ceremonies, aphrodisiac

fever, headache, fatigue, nervous conditions

Modern Uses

stimulant, antiviral, analgesic

antipyretic, stimulant (mild), nervine

Adult Dosage

Not for self-treatment due to toxicity

3-5g leaf tea 2x/day

Contraindications

cardiac conditions, pregnancy, all mental health medications

pregnancy

Side Effects

cardiac arrhythmia risk, psychoactive effects, toxic in overdose

mild stimulant effects, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E