SOLANUM NIGRUM [BLACK NIGHT SHADE]

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