Black Nightshade - Medicinal Plants : Medicinal Plants

Scientific name of Black Nightshade: Solanum nigrum

Name of Black Nightshade in different languages:-

English: Garden Nightshade, Hound’s Berry, Petty Morel, Wonder Berry, Popolo.

Sanskrit: Kakamachi, Dhvankshamachi, Bahuphala, Rasayani, Sarvtikta, Kakamata, Gucchaphala, Svadupaka, Kakatikta.

Hindi: Makoi

Tamil: Manithakkali

Malayalam: മണിത്തക്കാളി-Manithakkali, മുളകുതക്കാളി-Mulakuthakkali, oorali Thakkali

Plant description:

Black Night Shade-Solanum nigrum is a herb or perennial shrub, that grows to a height of 120 cm, leaves are dark green, simple, length up to 7.5 cm and 5 cm in wide; ovate or heart-shaped, with wavy-toothed margins. The flowers are small, greenish or whitish, found in clusters, found in leaf axils. Fruits are berries, in clusters of 20-25 numbers, pale green turns black or purple-black when it ripe. It can consumed as a curry, fruits are edible.

Useful plant parts:

The whole plant, Leaf

Medicinal uses of Black Nightshade:

To treat cardiac disorders, jaundice, rheumatic diseases, skin disorders, ringworm, ulcers, gout, etc.

Black Nightshade has a history of traditional medicinal uses in various cultures, though scientific research on its efficacy and safety is limited. Here are some reported medicinal uses:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Some proponents of herbal medicine suggest that Meta Black Nightshade may have anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used topically for conditions like joint pain and skin inflammation.

2. Antioxidant: Like many plants, it contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

3. Digestive Aid: In some traditional systems of medicine, it has been used to alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, flatulence, and constipation.

4. Respiratory Health: It has been used in certain cultures for respiratory conditions, including coughs and asthma.

5. Diuretic: Some believe that it may have diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and potentially aiding in conditions like edema (fluid retention).

6. Wound Healing: The crushed leaves have been used topically on wounds to promote healing, though this should be done with caution due to the potential for toxicity.

7. Fever Reducer: Meta Black Nightshade has been used to reduce fever in some traditional herbal remedies.

8. Antibacterial Properties: Some studies have suggested that extracts from various species of nightshade plants possess antibacterial properties, which may be useful in treating bacterial infections.

It’s important to emphasize that the use of Meta Black Nightshade for medicinal purposes should be approached with caution due to its potential toxicity. Different varieties and parts of the plant may have varying levels of alkaloids, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

Moreover, improper preparation or dosage can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable herbalist or healthcare provider who is familiar with the specific variety and can provide guidance on safe use.

Chemical content:

Alkaloid-Solamine

Medicinal Properties:

Anti-oxidant, Diuretic, Anti-pyretic, and Anti-inflammatory.

How to prepare medicines:

Mouth Ulcer– Chew and keep the fresh leaves in your mouth.
Skin problems – Well-ground fresh leaves can applied to affected areas.
Common cold and cough – Consume the decoction of fruits and flowers.
Better urination – Drinking the decoction of the whole plant is helpful to get good urination, it is a diuretic.

Black Nightshade is one of the ingredients in Ayurveda medicines like-

Remember, this information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re considering using Black Nightshade for medicinal purposes, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance based on your specific health condition.