Kantakari (yellow-berried nightshade)
Solanum virginianum
Photo credit: Krish Dulal
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Caution. Contains solanine-type glycoalkaloids (toxic alkaloids of nightshade family); unripe/green fruit and overdose can cause GI and neuro symptoms.
Contraindications: Pregnancy and children (glycoalkaloid content — caution); avoid overdose and unripe berries.
Interactions: Theoretical additive with cardiac/cholinergic drugs (solanine is cholinesterase inhibitor at toxic doses); caution with other Solanaceae.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy: glycoalkaloid content — caution.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
powder · whole plant
Part used: whole plant
in Dashamula and respiratory formulas · root
Part used: root
decoction · whole plant
Part used: whole plant
Traditional use: cough, asthma, fever; Dashamula component
Proposed mechanism: steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasodine, solanine), saponins, flavonoids — bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not a food source.
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Bharath 2023, Molecules (PMID 37110723)