Solanum nigrum
Black nightshade
Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, is a versatile medicinal herb found worldwide. Renowned in traditional medicine, its leaves and berries contain bioactive alkaloids used to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues. While potent, careful preparation is essential to ensure safety and harness its therapeutic benefits effectively.
- Scientific name: Solanum nigrum
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae, it is classified under the genus Solanum. Together, these taxonomic levels identify Solanum nigrum as a distinct member of its biological lineage.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Solanum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Solanum nigrum, is recognized by various common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 龙葵 (zh-hans), which is also the standard designation in Mainland China (zh-cn) and Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is written as 龍葵 (zh-hant), a form that is also used in Hong Kong (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 龙葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 龍葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 龍葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 龙葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 龙葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 龍葵 | Wikidata |
| pl | psianka czarna | Wikidata |
| qu | Q'aya-q'aya | Wikidata |
| fr | morelle noire | Wikidata |
| ko | 까마중 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide presence across several regions within Northern Europe. Specifically, its distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be found growing throughout the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is established within the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range extends further north into the country of Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Solanum nigrum, offers various therapeutic benefits through its different anatomical components. While the whole plant is often utilized in traditional medicine, specific attention is frequently given to the leaves, which are rich in bioactive alkaloids. These leaves can be processed into a potent leaf extract used for its various pharmacological properties. Additionally, the small, dark fruits are notable for their nutritional and medicinal value, though they must be handled with care due to varying toxicity levels. Even the seeds contain unique chemical compounds that contribute to the plant's overall medicinal profile.- Total parts
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 26
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| fruits | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| whole plant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| powdered fruit material | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| local leafy vegetable | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves dry powder | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Solanum nigrum has 71 reported phytochemicals identified across 83 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cd, anthocyanin, flavonoids, Cr, chlorogenic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 71
- Scientific sources
- 83
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cd | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cr | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorophyll | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (+)-medioresinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (+)-pinoresinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Solanum nigrum has 14 reported activities identified across 28 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Diuretic.
- Total activities
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 28
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Solanum nigrum has 52 reported medicinal uses identified across 63 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, cancer, inflammation, antioxidant, antipyretic.
- Total uses
- 52
- Scientific sources
- 63
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antipyretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver diseases | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |