Indian Nightshade

Botanical

What is it

Indian nightshade (Solanum indicum or Solanum anguivi) is a small shrub of the nightshade family used in Ayurveda. It appears in the Brihat Panchamoola (five great roots) and is used for respiratory and digestive complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Cough or respiratory complaints (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used in Ayurveda for cough and respiratory complaints. No controlled human evidence confirms specific benefit.

How it works

The plant contains steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasodine, solamargine), saponins, and phenolic compounds. Glycoalkaloids are responsible for both the plant's traditional uses and its toxicity at higher doses; they can inhibit cholinesterase and disrupt cell membranes. In Ayurveda, the root is described as warming and is used for cough, asthma-like complaints, and indigestion. Modern controlled clinical research on this specific species is limited.

Dosage

Traditional preparations use the root in small amounts as part of multi-herb formulas. There is no standardized modern dose. Solanum glycoalkaloid intake should remain modest because of toxicity risk.

When and how to take it

Traditional formulas are taken with warm water after meals. Not for self-use without qualified guidance.

1 commercial form

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

Root powder (in multi-herb formulas)

Used in classical Ayurvedic recipes.

Traditional preparation; alkaloid content variable.

Safety

Glycoalkaloids in higher doses cause GI symptoms, headache, and neurological effects. Like other Solanum species, the unripe berries are toxic. Traditional preparation aims to limit alkaloid exposure, but quality varies.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not recommended for children. Use cautiously with sedatives, neurological medications, or in liver disease.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with cholinesterase inhibitors (additive effect) and with medications affecting heart rhythm. Specific clinical interaction data are sparse.

Frequently asked questions

Is Indian nightshade the same as deadly nightshade?⌄

No. Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) is a different and highly toxic species. Indian nightshade (Solanum indicum) has its own profile of glycoalkaloids and toxicity at higher doses.

Is the fruit edible?⌄

Some Solanum species in this group are eaten in small quantities in regional cuisines (small ripe berries), but identification matters greatly. Do not eat unripe berries or unknown nightshades.

References

Indian Nightshade on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Indian 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.