Solanum Nigrum (Black Nightshade)

Historical Background

Solanum Nigrum, also known as Black Nightshade, has been referenced in classical Chinese texts such as "Materia Medica" and "Tang Materia Medica". It is known to grow widely in many areas, and in northern China, it is referred to as "bitter herb." The plant has round leaves, white flowers, and berries that turn from green to black when ripe.

Botanical Description

Solanum Nigrum is an annual herb that grows between 30-60 cm in height. It has erect stems that are sparsely covered in fine white hairs. The leaves are alternate, ovate, and can reach up to 10 cm in length and 5.5 cm in width. They have entire or wavy margins, with sharp tips and wedge-shaped or gradually narrowing bases. The flowers are small, white, and radially symmetric, with a cup-shaped calyx and a white corolla. The fruit is a spherical berry, about 8 mm in diameter, which turns black when ripe. The seeds are numerous, ovate, and flattened. The plant flowers and bears fruit from September to October.

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Chinese Name: 龙葵
Pinyin: lóng kuí
English Name: Herba Solani Nigri

Other Names: Bitter Herb, Raven’s Eye Grass, Heavenly Eggplant, Rescue Child Grass, Water Eggplant, Black Beauty, Wild Pepper, Dog Button, etc.

Properties: Cold in nature, bitter, and slightly sweet; mildly toxic.

Functions: Clears heat, detoxifies, and promotes urination.

Indications: Used for treating sores and swelling, skin eczema, difficulty in urination, chronic bronchitis in the elderly, excessive vaginal discharge, prostatitis, and dysentery.

Dosage: 10-30 grams; for external use, crush the fresh herb and apply it to the affected area.

Dye Uses: The berries contain glycoalkaloids and saponins, which can be used to produce brown, green, and blue dyes.

Ecological Information

Habitat: Found on the edges of fields, roadsides, or wasteland.

Distribution: Widespread throughout China.

Harvesting and Storage: Collected during summer and autumn; used fresh or dried.

Preparation: Collected during summer and autumn, cleaned, dried, and cut into pieces. Soaked and dried again to remove impurities.

Cautions

1. Not recommended for individuals with weak stomachs.
2. Can cause a drop in white blood cell count if taken in excessive amounts.
3. Toxicology: The alkaloid solanine in Solanum Nigrum can dissolve blood cells and cause symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, rapid then slow heartbeat, mental confusion, and even coma in severe cases. There have been reports of fatalities from consuming unripe berries, similar to solanine poisoning from sprouted potatoes.

Pharmacological Effects

1. Anti-inflammatory: Extracts have shown anti-inflammatory effects in animals, similar to cortisone.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation: Solanine can raise blood sugar levels in rats but may have different effects in diabetic models.
3. Central Nervous System: Small doses enhance the excitability of the central nervous system, while large doses can suppress it.
4. Blood Pressure: The herb can lower blood pressure in animal studies.
5. Immune Function: Can enhance the activity of natural killer cells.
6. Other Effects: Includes cough suppression, phlegm reduction, and antimicrobial properties against various bacteria.

Clinical Applications

1. Sore Throat and Infections: Effective for treating sore throats and abscesses. Can be used externally for skin conditions or internally with other herbs.
2. Edema and Urinary Issues: Has diuretic properties and is used for treating edema and urinary difficulties.
3. Chronic Bronchitis: Used in combination with other herbs for treating chronic bronchitis, with significant improvement observed in clinical studies.
4. Cancer Treatment: Has shown potential in treating various cancers, including malignant trophoblastic tumors and assisting in the recovery post-surgery and chemotherapy.

Modern Applications

Solanum Nigrum is often used in modern clinical practice for treating cancerous pleural and ascitic effusion, primary liver cancer, and acute leukemia. It is typically used in combination with other cancer-fighting herbs and treatments to improve outcomes.

1. Cancerous Effusion: Effective in reducing symptoms and effusion in patients with malignant pleural and ascitic effusion.
2. Primary Liver Cancer: Combined with other anti-cancer herbs and treatments, it has shown significant improvement in survival rates.
3. Acute Leukemia: When used alongside conventional chemotherapy, it has improved remission rates and extended survival times.

In summary, while Solanum Nigrum has potent medicinal properties, it should be used with caution due to its potential toxicity. Proper identification, preparation, and dosage are crucial to harness its benefits safely.