Plant Name
Solanum nigrum Linn
Botanical Info
A common herb or short-lived perennial shrub, found in many wooded areas. 30–120 cm high, leaves 4-7.5 cm long and 2–5 cm wide.
Geography
Native to Eurasia. It was introduced to the Americas, Australasia and South Africa.
Chemical Content
The berries contain steroidal alkaloid, glycosides, solasonine, alpha and beta-solanigrine, alpha-and betasolamargine;
steroidal sapogenins, diosgenin and tigogenin; solasodine and solasodine. Solamargine and solasonine are also present in leaves.
Traditional Use and Activity
Plant is known for its anti-inflammatory,antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic, laxative, antiseptic properties; fresh extract is used to treat inflammatory swellings, enlargement of liver and spleen and liver cirrhosis. Berries are antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic. Berries and flowers are prescribed for cough and cold. Leaves are applied hot to swollen testicles; paste used as poultice to gout, rheumatic swellings and skin diseases.