Solanum nigrum(Solanaceae)- Manthakkali

Das K
Nov 9, 2025
4 min read

Scientific Name: Solanum nigrum

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Solanum

Related Herbs from the same family:

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) - A premier Rasayana (rejuvenative) tonic.
Solanum xanthocarpum (Kantakari) - A key herb for respiratory health.
Solanum trilobatum (Thoodhuvalai) - A highly esteemed herb in Siddha medicine for respiratory ailments and as an immunomodulator.
Datura metel (Dhattura) - A toxic plant used for asthma and pain in controlled settings.

2. Common names

3. Medicinal Uses

Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Diuretic, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive (cough-suppressing), Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Laxative (mild), Anticancer (potential).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

The medicinal value of Solanum nigrum is attributed to a diverse range of steroidal compounds and alkaloids. Note: Unripe berries contain higher levels of toxic solanine.

Glycoalkaloids: Solanine, Solamargine, Solasonine. In high doses, these can be toxic (like in unripe berries), but in therapeutic doses from the whole plant, solamargine and solasonine have demonstrated Anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. They also have Antimicrobial properties.

Steroidal Alkaloids and Saponins: These contribute significantly to the Hepatoprotective and Anti-inflammatory activities. They help protect liver cells from toxins and reduce inflammation.

Flavonoids: Quercetin, Luteolin. Powerful Antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, supporting the plant's use in fever and inflammation.

Phytosterols: β-Sitosterol. Contributes to the anti-inflammatory and potential diuretic effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Hepatoprotective (for Liver Disorders like Jaundice)

Formulation: Whole plant juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of the fresh plant or a decoction of the dried herb is consumed to treat jaundice, hepatitis, and other liver enlargements.

Justification: The steroidal alkaloids and flavonoids protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins and viruses, and help in regenerating hepatocytes.

Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory (for Fevers and Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of the leaves is given with honey to reduce high fevers. The paste of the leaves is applied topically to inflamed joints and skin conditions.

Justification: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds help reduce the pyretic response and soothe localized inflammation.

Antitussive and Antispasmodic (for Cough and Asthma)

Formulation: Berries or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: The ripe black berries are consumed directly, or a decoction of the leaves is taken with honey to relieve dry cough and bronchial spasms.

Justification: The plant has bronchodilatory and antitussive properties, helping to calm the respiratory tract.

Diuretic and for Urinary Stones

Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is consumed to increase urine output and to help flush out small urinary stones.

Justification: The diuretic action helps flush the urinary system, and certain compounds may inhibit crystal formation.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Solanum nigrum is unique as it is both a common pot herb and a medicine in many parts of India, especially South India. Only the ripe (black) berries are safe to eat; unripe (green) berries are toxic.

Manathakkali Rasam for Fever and Digestion

Purpose: A soothing South Indian soup for fevers, colds, and weak digestion.

Preparation & Use:

Cook a handful of Solanum nigrum leaves with tamarind water, turmeric, and salt.
Temper with mustard seeds, cumin, asafoetida, and black pepper in ghee.
Drink this rasam as a soup. It is a traditional remedy during convalescence.

Ripe Berry Jam or Chutney

Purpose: A nutritive and antioxidant-rich condiment.

Preparation & Use:

Collect fully ripe, black berries.
Cook them with jaggery and a little water to make a jam, or blend with coconut, green chilies, and tamarind for a chutney.
Consume in small quantities.

Liver-Cleansing Juice

Purpose: To support liver function and recovery from jaundice.

Preparation & Use:

Take a handful of fresh Solanum nigrum leaves and stems.
Blend with a small amount of water and strain.
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of this juice in a glass of water. Consume once daily on an empty stomach for a limited period.

7. Disclaimer

Solanum nigrum is safe when consumed as a cooked green and when only fully ripe (black) berries are eaten. The unripe green berries and other plant parts in large quantities contain glycoalkaloids (solanine) which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Individuals with solanine sensitivity should avoid it. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid therapeutic doses. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before using it for treating medical conditions.

-x-x-

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Medicinal Plants by P.K. Warrier et al.
Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni
Siddha Materia Medica

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you...

Phyllanthus amarus (Bhumyamalaki) - Family: Phyllanthaceae. Similarities: Both are small, weedy herbs with a very strong reputation and scientific backing for hepatoprotective properties, specifically in the treatment of jaundice and hepatitis.
Solanum trilobatum (Thoodhuvalai) - Family: Solanaceae. Similarities: Shares the same genus and is a cornerstone of Siddha medicine. Both are used extensively for respiratory ailments (cough, asthma) and have immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.