rats. Ether-soluble methanolic extract exhibited strong inhibitory activity on lipoxygenase, involved in atherosclerotic processes and platelet aggregation in rats.
Solanum melongena Linn. var. incanum Kuntze, synonym S. coagulans Forsk. is known as Bana-bhantaa (also a synonym of Solanum ferox) and is used as Brihati in Kerala. Air-dried fruits and leaves from coimbatore contain 1.05 and 0.97% of alkaloids respectively. The fruits contain solasodine, campesterol and beta-sitosterol. Solamargine, solasodine, ursolic acid and its derivatives exhibited significant cytotoxic effects against human P2C!PRF!5 cells in vitro.
Solanum nigrum Linn.
Synonym S. rubrum Mill.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, in dry parts, up to an elevation of 2,100 m.
English Black Nightshade.
Ayurvedic Kaakamaachi,
Kaakaahya, Kaakamaataa, Dhvankshamaachi.
Unani Mako (smallar var., black
var.)
Siddha/Tamil Manittakkali.
Action Plant—anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic, laxative, antiseptic; fresh extract is used for inflammatory swellings, enlargement of liver and spleen and in cirrhosis of liver. Berries— antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic. Berries and flowers—prescribed in cough and cold. Leaves— applied hot to swollen testicles; paste used as poultice to gout, rheumatic swellings and skin diseases.
The berries contain steroidal alkaloid glycosides, solasonine, alpha- and beta-solanigrine, alpha-and betasolamargine; steroidal sapogenins, diosgenin and tigogenin; solasodine and solasodine.
Solamargine and solasonine are present also in leaves. The total alkaloid content of fruits and leaves are 0.101 and 0.431% respectively.
Dosage Whole plant—S—b ml juice. (API, Vol. II.)
614 Solanum spirale Roxb.
Solanum spirale Roxb.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Assam, Khasi Hills. Banga (Bengal); Titakuchi (Assam); Sohjhari (Khasi); Mungas-kajur (root, Bihar).
Action Root—diuretic, narcotic. Unripe berries—poisonous.
