Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Kakamachi protect the liver?

Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) exhibits hepatoprotective activity primarily through its antioxidant compounds, including chlorogenic acid and beta-carotene. These constituents help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in liver cells. The herb may also support liver regeneration and reduce inflammation. Evidence level C indicates preliminary research supports these mechanisms, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed. The processed form must be used, as raw Kakamachi contains toxic glycoalkaloids that can damage the liver rather than protect it.

Does Kakamachi interact with any medications?

Kakamachi may interact with central nervous system depressants, including sedatives and anticonvulsants, potentially enhancing drowsiness effects. Due to its effects on liver enzymes, it may alter the metabolism of drugs processed by the liver, affecting their efficacy. Patients taking diabetes medications should exercise caution, as Kakamachi may influence blood glucose levels. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining Kakamachi with prescription medications, especially given its narrow therapeutic window and potential for toxicity.

What is the recommended dosage for Kakamachi?

The recommended adult dosage for processed Kakamachi extract is 1-2 grams daily, taken only under professional supervision. This herb should never be self-prescribed due to its narrow safety margin. The raw, unprocessed form is toxic and must never be consumed. Dosage should be individualized based on the specific condition being treated, the patient's overall health status, and concurrent medications. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations involve specific processing methods to reduce toxicity before therapeutic use.

Is Kakamachi safe during pregnancy?

No, Kakamachi is unsafe during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. The herb contains glycoalkaloids such as solanine and solasonine, which can cross the placenta and potentially harm fetal development. These compounds may cause congenital defects or pregnancy complications. Breastfeeding women should also avoid Kakamachi, as toxic constituents can pass into breast milk. Women of childbearing age should use reliable contraception if taking this herb. Evidence level C supports these safety concerns based on traditional knowledge and preliminary research.

Is Solanum nigrum poisonous to humans?

Yes, Solanum nigrum (Kakamachi) can be poisonous when consumed raw or in large amounts. The unripe berries and unprocessed plant contain toxic glycoalkaloids, primarily solanine and chaconine, which can cause drowsiness, digestive upset, headache, and in severe cases, neurological effects. Proper processing methods used in Ayurvedic preparation significantly reduce these toxic compounds. Only properly prepared formulations from reputable sources should be used, always under qualified supervision. Children are particularly vulnerable to toxicity and should not be given this herb.

What are the benefits of Kakamachi for skin diseases?

Kakamachi has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, and wounds. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds like solasonine and chlorogenic acid, may help reduce skin inflammation and support wound healing. The herb is typically applied topically as a paste or taken internally in processed form. Evidence level C indicates that while traditional use is well-documented, clinical research validating these applications remains limited. Always consult a healthcare provider before using Kakamachi for skin conditions.

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 nigrum (Black Nightshade) is an edible medicinal herb of the Solanaceae family known for its antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [PMID:36052142, 40639700].

Contexte

Solanum nigrum is an annual medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia and widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and the Americas [PMID:36052142, 40639700]. It is a wild relative of potato and tomato [PMID:26709631].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to treat various cancers, acute nephritis, urethritis, leucorrhea, sore throat, toothache, dermatitis, eczema, carbuncles, and furuncles [PMID:36052142]. In Israel, it has been used by local healers for external applications [PMID:7990499]. It is consumed as a food or vegetable in some regions [PMID:28486801] and has been used by the VhaVenda tribe in South Africa as a source of food diversification and for medicinal benefits [PMID:40422920].

Composés actifs

Major bioactive constituents include steroidal saponins (such as solanigrosides), steroidal alkaloids (notably solanine, $\alpha$-solasonine, and $\alpha$-solamargine), phenols (including myricetin, quercetin-3-O-robinoside, and rutin), and polysaccharides [PMID:36052142, 33233289, 38937971, 35116482]. It also contains anthocyanins such as delphinidin and petunidin derivatives [PMID:32054115].

Mécanisme d'action

Antitumor effects are mediated through the induction of autophagy-mediated cell death, apoptosis, and ferroptosis, as well as the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis [PMID:36877123, 32953557, 38198952]. Anti-inflammatory activity is achieved by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-$\kappa$B and down-regulating the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1$\beta$, and IL-6 [PMID:37011705]. Some components may act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors [PMID:36165440] or inhibit phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and arginase activities [PMID:31353618].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DCancer (various cell lines)

Steroidal compounds and total steroidal saponins exhibit cytotoxic activity against multiple human cancer cell lines (e.g., SW480, Hep3B, K562, HeLa, HCT116, MCF7) and can overcome multidrug resistance by inducing autophagy [PMID:37421992, 36877123, 35820506].

Preuve DInflammation

Steroidal saponins and sapogenins from berries and stems inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO), IL-6, and IL-1$\beta$ in LPS-induced macrophages [PMID:28486801, 37011705, 29421515].

Preuve CCOVID-19

Proposed as a candidate for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID complications due to anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral actions [PMID:36689040].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Steroidal glycoalkaloids are noted to have 'anti-nutritional' effects, including toxicity and bitterness to humans [PMID:38937971].

Synthèse des preuves

The majority of evidence is derived from in vitro cell assays (D) and narrative reviews (C). There is strong preclinical evidence for antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities, but high-level clinical trial data (A or B) is lacking in the provided abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 37421992 (2023) — Steroidal constituents from Solanum nigrum. · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 36877123 (2023) — Total steroidal saponins from black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) overcome tumor multidrug resistance by inducing autophagy-mediated cell death in vivo and in vitro. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 32054115 (2020) — Accumulation of Anthocyanins through Overexpression of AtPAP1 in Solanum nigrum Lin. (Black Nightshade). · Biomolecules
4.PMID: 28486801 (2017) — Potential Anti-inflammatory Steroidal Saponins from the Berries of Solanum nigrum L. (European Black Nightshade). · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
5.PMID: 30812497 (2004) — Natural Occurrence of Phytophthora infestans on Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) in Wales. · Plant disease

Kakamachi

Sources et citations

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