Solanum
Nightshade
Solanum, commonly known as nightshade, is a diverse genus containing hundreds of species used globally in medicine. While some, like bittersweet, offer therapeutic alkaloids for pain and inflammation, others are toxic. Understanding their complex chemical profiles is essential for harnessing their healing potential while ensuring safety in herbal applications.
- Scientific name: Solanum
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Solanales. Finally, it is a member of the family Solanaceae and falls under the genus Solanum.
| 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, is referred to by several common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is identified as 茄属 (zh-hans) and 茄属 (zh-cn), and it shares this same designation in Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese, the name is written as 茄屬 (zh-hant), which is also the standard nomenclature used in Hong Kong (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 茄属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 茄屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 茄屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 茄属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 茄属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 茄屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | psianka | Wikidata |
| qu | Papa rikch'ana | Wikidata |
| he | סולנום | Wikidata |
| ta | தக்காளி பேரினம் | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark. Furthermore, its presence extends to the northern landscapes of Finland. The species is also documented throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range encompasses the coastal and inland areas 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, belonging to the Solanum genus, possesses various anatomical structures that contribute to its medicinal profile, most notably its roots. While different species within this genus may utilize different components, the roots are often studied for their ability to absorb essential nutrients and store secondary metabolites that are crucial for pharmacological applications. These underground structures serve as a vital part of the plant's biological system, supporting the growth of the stems, leaves, and flowers while concentrating specific bioactive compounds used in traditional medicine.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Solanum has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, coumarins, ergostane, indioside D, lignans.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ergostane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| indioside D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| solamargine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| solasodane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| solasodine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| solasonine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Solanum has 9 reported activities identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antihyperlipidemic.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phytoalexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Solanum has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Cancer, cancer, gastric ulcers, inflammation, joint pain.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| joint pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| respiratory infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| toothache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urinary tract infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |