Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Bittersweet Nightshade work for skin conditions?

Bittersweet Nightshade contains steroidal alkaloids, specifically solanine and solamargine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and potential antiviral properties when applied topically. These compounds are thought to modulate the skin's immune response and inhibit viral replication, making the herb traditionally useful for warts, eczema, and herpes lesions. The tannins present also provide an astringent effect, helping to dry weeping skin lesions. Evidence for these mechanisms is largely based on in vitro studies and traditional use (Evidence Level C) rather than robust clinical trials.

Is Bittersweet Nightshade safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Bittersweet Nightshade is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The plant contains toxic steroidal alkaloids, such as solanine, which can cross the placenta and may cause fetal harm, congenital defects, or miscarriage. Ingestion can also stimulate uterine contractions. Due to the high risk of toxicity and lack of safety data, pregnant women should strictly avoid internal use and exercise caution with topical applications to minimize systemic absorption (Evidence Level C/D).

What is the correct dosage for Bittersweet Nightshade?

The only generally accepted dosage for Bittersweet Nightshade is topical application. Preparations typically involve a decoction or infused oil made from the stems or leaves applied externally to affected areas for conditions like psoriasis or warts. Internal use is strongly discouraged due to the narrow therapeutic window and risk of solanine poisoning. If internal use is considered, it must be strictly supervised by a qualified professional using precise, minimal doses (Evidence Level C). The berries are particularly toxic and should never be consumed.

Does Bittersweet Nightshade interact with medications?

There is limited clinical data regarding specific drug interactions for Bittersweet Nightshade. However, due to the presence of solanine and other alkaloids, internal use may theoretically interact with anticholinergic drugs or medications that suppress the immune system. Because the plant is toxic to the liver and nervous system, it should not be combined with drugs that have hepatotoxic potential. Topical application is unlikely to cause systemic drug interactions unless applied to broken skin over large areas (Evidence Level C/D).

What are the side effects of Bittersweet Nightshade?

Side effects primarily result from internal ingestion or improper dosing. Symptoms of solanine toxicity include nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. In severe cases, internal use can lead to respiratory depression, paralysis, or convulsions. Topical use may cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. The berries pose a significant risk of poisoning, especially to children, and can be fatal if consumed in large quantities (Evidence Level C).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Solanum dulcamara, also known as bittersweet nightshade, is a perennial plant containing steroidal glycosides and is noted for its role as a reservoir host for various plant pathogens [PMID:34868145, 36647186].

Contexte

Solanum dulcamara is a native Old World member of the Solanaceae family, described as a diploid species found in environments ranging from marshlands to high mountainous regions [PMID:29694416]. It is a common hedgerow herbaceous perennial in the United States [PMID:30743455].

Usages traditionnels

Historically, the plant has been used in folk medicine for treating cancers and warts [PMID:5859731], and has a history of traditional use as narcotics, diuretics, and treatments for skin, rheumatic, and respiratory conditions, as well as for pain and inflammation [PMID:41819152].

Composés actifs

The plant contains steroidal glycosides (SGs) [PMID:36645517], specifically glycoalkaloids such as solanine, solasodine, and β-solamarine [PMID:41819152]. In the fruit, alkaloidal material is primarily present as glycosides, with solasodine being a principal or sole aglycone [PMID:2080514].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DSarcoma 180 (mice)

An alcoholic extract of S. dulcamara and the isolated active principle beta-solamarine showed tumor-inhibitory activity [PMID:5859731]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Ingestion of unripened berries in mice caused gastrointestinal tissue changes and behavioral signs consistent with solanine toxicity, although ripened fruit did not produce such toxicity [PMID:2398519]. Topical use of the plant has been associated with contact dermatitis [PMID:26563681]. Poisoning has also been reported in horses [PMID:20270568].

Synthèse des preuves

The available evidence is primarily based on botanical, genomic, and animal-model studies (Level D), with one review mentioning traditional uses and adverse reactions (Level C). There are no human clinical trials (Level B) or meta-analyses (Level A) provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 2080514 (1990) — Spirosolane-containing Solanum species and induction of congenital craniofacial malformations. · Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology
2.PMID: 37869734 (2023) — The genome sequence of bittersweet, Solanum dulcamara L. (Solanaceae). · Wellcome open research
3.PMID: 1599942 (1992) — Plant thermal hysteresis proteins. · Biochimica et biophysica acta
4.PMID: 38474041 (2024) — Genetic Loci of Plant Pathogenic Dickeya solani IPO 2222 Expressed in Contact with Weed-Host Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara L.) Plants. · International journal of molecular sciences
5.PMID: 30743455 (2010) — Natural Occurrence of Phytophthora infestans Causing Late Blight on Woody Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) in New York.

Bittersweet Nightshade

Sources et citations

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