Black Nightshade

Botanical

What is it

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), known as makoe in Ayurveda, is an annual herb whose ripe berries and leaves have been used traditionally for liver and skin complaints, though it also contains potentially toxic alkaloids.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Liver / inflammation (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Animal and cell studies suggest hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity, but rigorous human trials are lacking.

How it works

The plant contains steroidal glycoalkaloids (solanine, solamargine, solasodine) and saponins. These may have anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity in preclinical models. The unripe berries and green parts contain higher alkaloid levels and are considered toxic at sufficient doses. Clinical evidence in humans is sparse; most of what is known comes from traditional use and animal/cell studies on the alkaloid fraction.

Dosage

There is no established RDA. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations vary; standardized supplement dosing is not well defined. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

No established timing baseline. Use only as directed by a qualified practitioner; avoid prolonged daily use.

1 commercial form

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

Whole plant extract

Standardization is inconsistent across products.

Alkaloid content varies widely by plant part, ripeness, and processing.

Safety

Unripe berries and high doses of the herb can cause solanine-type toxicity (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, neurologic symptoms). Properly prepared extracts at typical herbal doses are generally tolerated short-term, but the therapeutic window is narrow.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use in children. Caution in liver disease, GI disorders, or when taking other plants in the nightshade family at high doses.

Interactions

May potentiate sedatives and CNS depressants in theory. Combined toxicity risk with other solanine-containing botanicals.

Frequently asked questions

Is black nightshade toxic?⌄

Unripe berries and high doses of the leaves can cause solanine-type toxicity. Use only properly prepared, controlled doses.

Is it safe in pregnancy?⌄

No. Avoid use in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to alkaloid content and lack of safety data.

References

Black Nightshade on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Black Nightshade (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.