Bittersweet nightshade

Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), also known as bittersweet, fellenwort, or woody nightshade, is a perennial, climbing or trailing plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North America and prefers moist locations such as riverbanks, floodplain forests, or hedgerows. It owes its name to the two-stage taste of its bark: first bitter, then sweet. For centuries, Bittersweet nightshade has been part of European folk medicine. Despite its toxicity, it was used as a medicinal plant in small, precisely dosed amounts. The striking purple flowers and red berries have also earned the plant a firm place in myths and superstition, where it was often regarded as a protective and warding herb against evil spirits.

What health benefits does Bittersweet nightshade offer?

In traditional European naturopathy, Solanum dulcamara was regarded as a remedy for skin and respiratory diseases. The bark and young twigs were mostly used. Even though the current body of studies is not particularly conclusive, in addition to documented traditional areas of use there are also results of scientific work that point to potential health benefits. However, these should be viewed critically, as they are not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the plant's effects.

  • Antibacterial effect: Results of scientific investigations showed that extracts of the plant could have an antibacterial effect (1,2).
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: Studies suggest that essential oils from the plant could have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects (3).
  • Skin conditions: Decoctions or tinctures made from bittersweet wood were used for eczema, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
  • Rheumatic complaints: In folk medicine, the plant was used internally as a mild diuretic and blood purifier.
  • Respiratory diseases: Bittersweet was used for chronic bronchitis, catarrh, and asthma, mainly in the form of teas or extracts.

Important: All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids such as solanine and dulcamarine, which is why self-administration without professional guidance must be strictly avoided.

How does Bittersweet nightshade work?

The medicinal effect is presumably based primarily on steroidal alkaloids. However, it is difficult to make precise statements about how the plant works, as the current body of studies is still too vague.

Risks and side effects

  • All parts of the plant are toxic; the unripe green berries in particular contain a high level of solanine.
  • Symptoms of poisoning range from nausea and vomiting to respiratory paralysis and even fatal cases.
  • Medicinal use is strictly discouraged. If in doubt, it should only and exclusively take place under medical supervision.

Conclusion

Bittersweet nightshade is an impressive example of the close connection between naturopathy, mythology, and toxicology. In small, controlled doses it could possibly offer medicinal potential, but at the same time it carries considerable risks. However, far more research is needed to be able to say more about the effects and also the toxicity of the plant.

Sources:

  1. Cansever, E., & Turker, A. U. (2007). In vitro culture and biological activity of Solanum dulcamara, a medicinal plant. Planta Medica, 73(S 01), P_182. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-986963
  2. Kumar, P., Sharma, B., & Bakshi, N. (2009). Biological activity of alkaloids from Solanum dulcamara L. Natural product research, 23(8), 719–723. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410802267692
  3. Fallahzadeh, A. R., & Mohammadi, S. (2020). Assessment of the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and acute toxicity effects of Solanum dulcamara essential oil in male mice. Journal of Babol University of Medical Sciences, 22, 162–168.