This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
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.
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
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].
Background
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].
Traditional uses
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].
Active compounds
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].
Mechanism of 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].
Clinical evidence
Evidence 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].
Evidence 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].
Evidence 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].
Safety & adverse effects
Steroidal glycoalkaloids are noted to have 'anti-nutritional' effects, including toxicity and bitterness to humans [PMID:38937971].
Evidence summary
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.
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
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 26709631 (2017) — The whole chloroplast genome sequence of black nightshade plant (Solanum nigrum). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part A, DNA mapping, sequencing, and analysis
7.PMID: 42097000 (2026) — Aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum L. restrains colorectal cancer progression by blocking cancer-associated fibroblast-induced STAT3-Annexin A2 signaling. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
8.PMID: 35116482 (2021) — A narrative review of the antitumor studies of solanine. · Translational cancer research
9.PMID: 36689040 (2023) — Solanum nigrum L. in COVID-19 and post-COVID complications: a propitious candidate. · Molecular and cellular biochemistry
10.PMID: 38192621 (2023) — Active components of Solanum nigrum and their antitumor effects: a literature review. · Frontiers in oncology
11.PMID: 25821087 (2015) — Evaluation of the ability of black nightshade Solanum nigrum L. for phytoremediation of thallium-contaminated soil. · Environmental science and pollution research international
12.PMID: 36052142 (2022) — Solanum nigrum Linn.: An Insight into Current Research on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology. · Frontiers in pharmacology
13.PMID: 31353618 (2019) — Alkaloid extracts from Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) inhibit phosphodiesterase-5, arginase activities and oxidative stress in rats penile tissue. · Journal of food biochemistry
14.PMID: 37077581 (2023) — Colorimetric and antioxidant films based on biodegradable polymers and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) extract for visually monitoring Cyclina sinensis freshness. · Food chemistry: X
15.PMID: 29421515 (2018) — Anti-inflammatory steroidal glycosides from the berries of Solanum nigrum L. (European black nightshade). · Phytochemistry
17.PMID: 36165440 (2023) — Phytochemicals from African eggplants (Solanum macrocarpon L) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L) leaves as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: an in-silico study. · Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics
18.PMID: 40639700 (2025) — Progress in Solanum nigrum L. research: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, quality control, and clinical applications. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
19.PMID: 7990499 (1994) — Solanaceae as medicinal plants in Israel. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
20.PMID: 35820506 (2022) — Steroidal alkaloids from Solanum nigrum and their cytotoxic activities. · Phytochemistry
21.PMID: 30945781 (2019) — Host plant defenses of black (Solanum nigrum L.) and red nightshade ( Solanum villosum Mill.) against specialist Solanaceae herbivore Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). · Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology
22.PMID: 16933867 (2006) — Steroidal saponins from Solanum nigrum. · Journal of natural products
23.PMID: 38198952 (2024) — Anticancer effects of solasonine: Evidence and possible mechanisms. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
24.PMID: 40422920 (2025) — 1H NMR-Based Analysis to Determine the Metabolomics Profile of Solanum nigrum L. (Black Nightshade) Grown in Greenhouse Versus Open-Field Conditions. · Metabolites
25.PMID: 33233289 (2020) — The impact of boiling and in vitro human digestion of Solanum nigrum complex (Black nightshade) on phenolic compounds bioactivity and bioaccessibility. · Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)
26.PMID: 39155844 (2024) — Main chemical constituents and mechanism of anti-tumor action of Solanum nigrum L. · Cancer medicine
27.PMID: 37011705 (2023) — Anti-inflammatory steroids from the stems of Solanum nigrum L. · Phytochemistry
28.PMID: 32953557 (2020) — Current development in integrative therapy of traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment: A mini-review. · Journal of traditional and complementary medicine
29.PMID: 24709895 (2014) — Effects of gibberellic acid and N, N-dimethyl piperidinium chloride on the dose of and physiological responses to prometryn in black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.). · PloS one
30.PMID: 40816184 (2025) — Effect and mechanism of Rice-Solanum nigrum L. rotation system inoculated with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) for the remediation of Cd-contaminated paddy soil. · Journal of hazardous materials