Black Nightshade Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Black Nightshade

Black Nightshade

Also known as
  • Solanum nigrum
Black Nightshade Black nightshade is a plant found in various parts of the world. It's known for its small berries that can be red, black, or green, which are sometimes consumed as food but can also be toxic. While some varieties have been used in traditional medicine, caution is advised due to the potential health risks associated with its consumption.
There are 0 drugs known to interact with Black Nightshade

Additional Details

Is Black Nightshade Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Black nightshade is a plant known for its distinct musky scent when it wilts. Traditionally, it has found use in addressing various gastrointestinal and respiratory issues, as well as providing sedation and pain relief. It is also applied topically for skin problems and wound healing.

However, it's important to exercise caution. Unripe berries and foliage of black nightshade are considered LIKELY UNSAFE if taken orally due to their content of a compound called solanine. While ripe berries and other plant parts used topically lack sufficient safety information, pregnant and lactating individuals are advised to avoid oral use due to potential concerns about birth defects.

How Does Black Nightshade Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

The effectiveness of black nightshade is closely tied to its components, with solanine being a key player. This plant's fruit, root, and leaf are relevant for therapeutic use, with green fruits carrying higher levels of solanine, making them more toxic. Most of the toxic effects of black nightshade can be attributed to solanine, although the degree of toxicity can vary between different strains.

Research has kindled interest in black nightshade's potential anti-inflammatory effects. Laboratory studies have shown that extracts derived from black nightshade can effectively reduce the production of nitric oxide, a marker of inflammation, in a manner that depends on the dosage. This suggests that black nightshade might possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, there is limited reliable information available regarding the pharmacokinetics of black nightshade. This pertains to how the body processes, absorbs, and eliminates the various compounds present in the plant.

Interaction Overview

As of now, there are no known interactions between black nightshade and pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements, medical conditions, or laboratory tests. However, it's always wise to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before combining any new treatments or remedies.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Consuming large quantities of black nightshade, especially unripe berries or fresh foliage, can lead to a range of symptoms. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, headache, and in rarer cases, pupil dilation. In more severe instances, individuals might experience hallucinations, muscle weakness, blurred vision, slurred speech, and in extreme cases, paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death.

It's important to note that doses as low as 200-400 mg of the solanine compound found in black nightshade can cause symptoms like gastroenteritis, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, twitching, and cramping. More severe poisoning symptoms can include diarrhea, panic, excitement, coma, and increased body temperature, followed by paralysis and, in rare cases, death.

If an overdose is suspected, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. Treatment typically involves supportive measures such as intravenous fluids, electrolyte management, and fever-reducing strategies.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Unfortunately, there is currently insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of black nightshade supplements. This means that the consistency and potency of these supplements may vary significantly, making it important to approach their use with caution.

What Is Black Nightshade Typically Used For?

Black nightshade has a history of traditional use for addressing a variety of issues, including gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory ailments, sedation, and pain relief. Furthermore, it is applied topically to manage skin conditions and promote wound healing.

While there is interest in utilizing black nightshade for conditions such as acne, cirrhosis, and herpes zoster (shingles), it's important to acknowledge that there is currently insufficient reliable evidence to conclusively determine its effectiveness for these purposes. More research is needed to better understand its potential benefits and limitations.

Drugs that interact with Black Nightshade

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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