Prof (Dr) Vikas Sharma, Nancy Vohra
vikas.skuast@gmail.com
Solanum nigrum also known as black nightshade in local dialects of Jammu and Kashmir, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Solanaceae.
The term ‘Kaach Maach’ itself is often an affectionate local name for the plant’s edible leaves or its prepared dish, signifying its deep integration into regional cuisine and folk medicine. This plant is very common in Bhaderwah, Jammu and nearby hilly areas. It grows well during the summer and rainy seasons in open soil and slightly shady areas. The plant is about one to three feet tall, with soft green or slightly purple stems. The leaves are green and slightly wavy on the edges. The flowers are small, white and star-shaped with yellow centres. When the plant bears fruit, small green berries appear which later turn black when ripe. These black berries are sweet and are the most used part of the plant. Solanum nigrum is also an edible plant with high nutritional value. The tender leaves and young shoots are cooked and consumed as a leafy vegetable in many rural and tribal areas of India. After boiling to remove bitterness, the leaves are used in curries, soups and chutneys. These leaves are rich in vitamin A, C and iron, calcium, proteins, which make them valuable for improving nutrition and preventing deficiencies like anaemia, night blindness. The ripe black berries are also eaten raw or used to prepare jams, pickles and local beverages in some communities. The berries have a pleasant taste when fully ripe and provide natural antioxidants and minerals. In regions, where food insecurity is common, Solanum nigrum serves as an easily available wild edible plant, contributing to food diversity and nutritional security.
Traditional use: ‘Kaach Maach’, since ancient times, has been used in Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda Siddha, Unani as well as in folk remedies. In Ayurveda, it is called kakamachi and is known for its cooling and cleansing properties. It is used to treat problems like fever, jaundice, liver disorders, stomach pain, ulcers, skin rashes. In Unani medicine, it is used to cure inflammation, eye diseases, mouth ulcers. In Bhaderwah region, local people use Kaach Maach in simple home remedies. The juice of fresh leaves is given to patients suffering from jaundice and liver weakness. The boiled leaves are used to reduce body heat and treat stomach problems. The ripe black berries are sometimes eaten to improve appetite and digestion. The paste made from the leaves is applied on wounds, boils, skin infections to promote quick healing and because of its cooling nature, many people also use it in summer to relieve internal heat / detoxify the body. The plant is valued for its wide range of therapeutic properties including hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic activities and contains compounds with antitumor action.
Medicinal use: The plant is widely used in fever management and inflammation control. Leaf decoctions are traditionally administered during high fevers, especially malaria and typhoid, as the plant acts as a natural coolant and antipyretic agent. The plant helps reduce body temperature and soothe internal heat. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating swelling, pain and general body aches. Poultices prepared from the leaves are applied externally on joints and inflamed areas to relieve pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism or sprains. The plant is regarded as a natural stomachic and mild laxative. It improves digestion, stimulates appetite and helps alleviate conditions like gastritis, indigestion and stomach ulcers. The decoction of its leaves is used to relieve constipation and cleanse the digestive tract. Solanum nigrum is also a recognized blood purifier and immune enhancer. In Ayurveda, it is described as a “Rakta Shodhak,” meaning a cleanser of the blood. Regular consumption of the boiled leaves helps remove toxins and strengthens the body’s immune response. This purifying property also contributes to its effectiveness in treating various skin diseases such as boils, eczema, acne and psoriasis. The plant’s antibacterial and antioxidant compounds protect the skin from infections and support tissue regeneration.
Solanum nigrum is one of the most popular hepatoprotective herbs traditionally used in the treatment of various liver and gall bladder disorders. It has long been recognized for its ability to support liver health and aid in detoxification. In traditional medicine, the leaf juice or decoction is commonly administered to individuals suffering from jaundice, liver enlargement and hepatitis. The plant acts as a natural detoxifier, assisting the liver in eliminating harmful toxins from the body and promoting better bile flow, which is essential for digestion and purification. Solanum nigrum leaves and fruits possess diuretic properties, promoting urine flow and aiding in the elimination of waste products and excess salts from the body. It is traditionally used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney stones and painful urination. The increased urinary output helps in flushing out toxins, thus improving kidney function. It play a major role in reducing uric acid levels and prevents the crystallization of salts in the kidneys, making it helpful in preventing stone formation.
The plant exhibits promising anticancer potential as isolated compounds such as solamargine and solasonine, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. These compounds show potential against various cancers including liver, cervical, colon, and breast cancers. The plant also has the ability to reduce oxidative damage and inhibit the spread of malignant cells. In traditional healing systems, decoctions were given to reduce swelling or abnormal tissue growths, unknowingly reflecting the plant’s anticancer effects now proven through modern science. In women’s health, Solanum nigrum plays an important role in regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating menstrual cramps. The decoction of the plant is traditionally given to women suffering from irregular menstruation, excessive bleeding or uterine infections. It also acts as a uterine tonic, strengthening the reproductive organs. In some regions, the plant is used post-delivery to restore vitality and purify the blood.
Moreover, promoting the sustainable cultivation and conservation of Solanum can empower local farmers, preserve biodiversity and support eco-friendly livelihoods.
In this way, the plant not only benefits human health, but also contributes to environmental and socio-economic sustainability. To conclude, Solanum nigrum is not just a medicinal herb – it is a symbol of inclusivity, blending traditional knowledge with modern science, empowering rural communities and offering hope for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu)
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