Bittersweet

Botanical

What is it

Bittersweet most commonly refers to Solanum dulcamara (woody nightshade, climbing nightshade), a Solanaceae family plant whose stems and berries have been used traditionally for skin conditions, rheumatism, and respiratory complaints. The plant contains steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasodine, soladulcidine) and is potentially toxic, particularly the berries.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Eczema and skin conditions (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional topical and internal use. Modern clinical evidence is limited and safety concerns are significant.

How it works

Solanum dulcamara contains glycoalkaloids that can disrupt cell membranes and inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Traditional uses focused on skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) topically and as a 'blood purifier' internally, though both uses carry safety concerns due to alkaloid content. Modern clinical use is essentially absent.

Dosage

Traditional doses are very small (200 to 600 mg of stem extract per day). Berries are not considered safe for any internal use.

When and how to take it

Not recommended for routine use.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bittersweet stem glycerite/tincture

Traditional preparations; not recommended for self-use.

Variable alkaloid content.

Safety

Berries are toxic and have caused poisoning, particularly in children. Alkaloid content makes internal use risky. Topical use can cause skin irritation. Use with extreme caution or avoid.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children (especially keeping berries away from children), and people with cardiac conditions. Not recommended for routine use without medical supervision.

Interactions

Potential interactions with cardiac medications (glycoalkaloids can affect heart function), anticholinergics, and CNS medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is bittersweet safe to use?⌄

Use is risky due to glycoalkaloid content. Berries are toxic and have caused poisoning, especially in children.

Is it the same as bittersweet chocolate?⌄

No. Bittersweet chocolate is unsweetened chocolate; bittersweet plant (Solanum dulcamara) is a different and potentially toxic herb.

References

Bittersweet on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bittersweet on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bittersweet (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.