Shea Butter Tree
Vitellaria paradoxa
Vitellaria paradoxa, commonly known as the shea tree, is native to West Africa. Traditionally, its use has not been extensively documented in medical practices. Scientific studies have shown that certain genotypes of the shea tree can be valuable for breeding programs due to their high fat and fatty acid content. Additionally, research indicates that land management practices such as fallow land and protected areas may support higher biodiversity among melliferous trees compared to farmland, though farmland tends to harbor larger individual trees. Triterpenes from the shea tree, including α-amyrin and β-amyrin, have shown promise in promoting wound healing through anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study identified five elite shea tree genotypes with high fat and fatty acid content in Benin, offering potential for breeding programs.
- The study found that fallow land and protected areas supported higher species richness of melliferous trees compared to farmland, though farmland had larger individual trees.
- The decomposition rate of Vitellaria paradoxa leaves was lower than leguminous trees but higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season.
- Triterpenes from Vitellaria paradoxa, particularly α-amyrin and β-amyrin, showed promise in promoting wound healing through anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shea Butter Tree?
Shea Butter Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Shea Butter Tree?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Shea Butter Tree; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study identified five elite shea tree genotypes with high fat and fatty acid content in Benin, offering potential for breeding programs.
How strong is the evidence for Shea Butter Tree?
The strongest finding for Shea Butter Tree carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Shea Butter Tree safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Shea Butter Tree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Shea Butter Tree interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Shea Butter Tree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Shea Butter Tree?
Shea Butter Tree is also known as: Ши, karité.
Is Shea Butter Tree a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Decomposition and nutrient release from leaves of some common agroforestry tree/shrub species of Sudano-Sahelian West Africa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnopharmacological evaluation of Vitellaria paradoxa triterpenes for wound healing: In vivo evidence of lupeol and α/β-amyrin in promoting dermal regeneration. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Land-Use Effects on Melliferous Woody Flora in Sudanian Agroforestry Parkland and Protected Area of West Africa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genetic structure of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) population and fatty acid-based selection of elite genotypes in Benin. literature abstract metadata