SOLANUM NIGRUM [BLACK NIGHT SHADE]
Tamil: Manathakkaali [Milagu thakkaali] Hindi: Makoi,
Malayalam: Same as in Tamil+Karimthakkaali
, Telugu:Kamanchi, Kannada:Ganike soppu
Solanum
nigrum is a herb of the tomato/potato family and is quite
popular as vegetable, as spicy-condiment, and as medicinal stuff. The leaves
are used as greens while fruits are sundried to form a medicinal condiment. The
‘dried fruits are stored in dry form and used to make the too well known “Vatral kuzhambu” an elixir of tamarind
strengthened by sesame oil, turmeric powder, chilly and a few other additives. Some are
crazy about Vatral kuzhambu”. The plant is used by all cuisines across India
and elsewhere.
The ripe fruits’ look
dull black or deep black and small as black pearls. Leaves of S.nigrum are cooked as greens and is
said to heal mouth and stomach ulcers. In extreme states of mouth ulcers, fresh
green leaves are squeezed in fresh cow’s milk [especially the milk froth] and
kept in mouth for a few minutes for healing the ulcers. Basically the uncooked
leaves taste bitter and are used for their medicinal value. In some societies
the leaves are used as ‘laxative’ while some suggest the herb to be toxic.
Probably variations among species may be the reason for their differing properties
suggested by different groups.
Besides, asthmatic
problems, jaundice, liver sluggishness are known to be tackled by the extracts
of leaves and fruits of S.nigrum.
The active ingredient ‘Solanine’ from this herb is known to
inhibit cell proliferation in some types of cancer [Cevical carcinoma]
Uttroside
B
–a saponin from the plant is said to be an inhibitor of hepatocellular
carcinoma [a kind of Liver cancer].
Solanum
nigrum has gradually gained medicinal relevance by its
molecular products in inhibiting cell proliferation [cancer]. A tiny herb with a mighty potential is Solanum nigrum
