Perhaps you have heard of the nightshade or also known as devil’s tomato. Although it has several beneficial properties for health, it is also necessary to know that there are some dangers by consuming this plant.
Therefore, in this article we tell you what is nightshade, what are its varieties, what is it for, and advantages and disadvantages.
The nightshade (Solanum nigrum) or black tomato is a subshrub, with white flowers and large yellow anthers, as well as purple berries, that grows on various continents such as Africa, Europe and America.
can be found the nightshade in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazilfor example, and in general, behaves like weeds and grasslands, so it is found in open fields or along roadsides.
One of the characteristics of this plant is that it blooms all year round, or at least a large part of it, which is why it is said that It is multiannual or annual.
Black nightshade: what is it for?
As mentioned above, although nightshade is poisonous for human consumption, the plant is also used for medicinal purposes in several countries, although mostly in China, India and Africa. Among them we can mention:
– Anticancer. According to different scientific investigations, nightshade extracts reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Specifically, the antineoplastic activity of these extracts against Sarcoma 180 in mice was verified.
– Antibacterial. It has been proven that the ethanolic extracts of the dried fruit of the nightshade (that is, by macerating the plant with ethyl alcohol) have an effect on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. And also for pathogenic bacteria such as the well-known Escherichia coli.
– Anti-inflammatory. In some places the plant is used to relieve ailments caused by inflammation or even rheumatic diseases.
The nightshade is used as an anti-inflammatory and to treat rheumatic diseases
-Herpes zoster. One of the characteristics of this herb is that it reduces the symptoms of some viruses such as the well-known shingles.
– Gastritis. Solanum nigrum has properties that serve to reduce symptoms caused by gastric problems such as gastritis and stomach or gastric ulcers.
– Renal problems. According to several studies, extracts of the nightshade collaborate in kidney treatments.
– Diabetes. The ethanolic extracts of leaves have antihyperglycemic properties, functioning as an antidiabetic.
– Antioxidant. Some studies have shown that the water extract of this species contains antioxidants that prevent damage to DNA and cell membranes, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases.
– Eye problems. The extract of fruits and leaves of the nightshade is useful for ophthalmological treatments.
It is also often used nightshade for acne and pimples, as well as for the genetic improvement of certain crops such as potatoes and eggplant and as an insecticide, since it controls mosquito larvae of the Culex genus and agricultural pest butterflies.
Contraindications of nightshade
For its medicinal properties Many believe that the nightshade is edible, but it is necessary to always keep in mind that it is toxic and can cause poisoning.
This is because it contains atropine and a high content of solanine, a glycoalkaloid, which is abundant in unripe fruit and highly toxic, even when ingested in small amounts.
That’s why the Blackberry should not be used raw, orally, but must go through a cooking process, since when subjected to it, its toxins are denatured.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, symptoms can occur throughout the body and can cause fever, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, and dry mouth. The affected person may have dilated pupils, low blood pressure, and slow pulse and breathing. Also hallucinations, headache and paralysis in some cases.
Nightshade can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
In case of poisoning, the duration of the symptoms will vary depending on the amount of poison ingested and the speed in applying the treatment, but approximately between 1 and 3 days and, in some cases, hospitalization is necessary.
Although knowing the benefits that the plant has, many people seek “blackberry herb how to prepare” It is necessary to take into account that if you are not familiar with it, it is better not to consume it, given the adverse effects that misuse of the species can cause.
Have you ever used nightshade? What was your experience?
Font: United States National Library of Medicine, Life daily education & research