Zimbabwean Bitter Leaf vs Khaya Anthotheca

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Zimbabwean Bitter Leaf

Gymnosporia senegalensis

Antimicrobial

Khaya Anthotheca

Khaya anthotheca

Antimicrobial

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Zimbabwean Bitter Leaf

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Khaya Anthotheca

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Thorny shrub widespread across Zimbabwe and Southern Africa used medicinally for skin disease, toothache, and antifungal.

Large East African timber tree used medicinally for malaria, fever, and wound healing by various traditional medicine practitioners in Uganda and Tanzania.

Active Compounds

pristimerin, maytenin, tannins, alkaloids

khayalactone, anthothecol, limonoids, alkaloids, tannins

Traditional Uses

treatment of skin infections in Zimbabwe folk medicine, toothache remedy, antifungal skin wash

malaria, fever, wound healing, diarrhea, respiratory infections

Modern Uses

antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic

antiplasmodial, antipyretic, antimicrobial, wound healing

Adult Dosage

Bark decoction topically or as rinse; tea internally

Bark decoction 200ml 2x daily

Contraindications

pregnancy, liver disease

pregnancy, children under 6, liver disease

Side Effects

GI irritation

nausea, mild digestive upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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