Bittersweet Nightshade Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is a climbing or trailing vine in the nightshade family, the same plant family as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. It produces purple, star-shaped flowers and bright red berries. It grows widely across Europe, Asia, and North America, often in damp areas, hedges, and along fences.

It has a long history in folk and traditional medicine, where the stems and leaves were used for skin problems, inflammation, and other complaints. Today it is sometimes found in topical preparations and homeopathic products. Despite the name "bittersweet," the plant is toxic, and the bright berries are especially dangerous if eaten.

Note that bittersweet nightshade is sometimes confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), which is a different and even more poisonous plant.

Bittersweet nightshade contains steroidal alkaloids (such as solanine and solasodine), glycoalkaloids, saponins, and tannins. Laboratory studies suggest some of these compounds may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or antispasmodic-like activity, but these findings come mainly from test-tube and animal research.

The same alkaloids that are studied for possible effects are also responsible for the plant's toxicity. In other words, the compounds that might be "active" are also the ones that can cause poisoning, which makes safe use difficult.

Overall, the way bittersweet nightshade might affect the human body is not well understood, and the proposed benefits have not been confirmed in people.

Bittersweet nightshade is considered unsafe to take by mouth outside of medical supervision. The berries are especially toxic, and eating them can cause serious poisoning. Children are at particular risk because the bright red berries may look like food.

People with digestive disorders, heart conditions, kidney problems, or any chronic illness should not use this plant. Anyone considering an herbal or homeopathic product containing it should speak with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid bittersweet nightshade entirely if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Its toxic compounds and the lack of safety data make it too risky for the parent and baby.

If you suspect that you or someone else (especially a child or pet) has eaten any part of the plant, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical care right away.

Taking bittersweet nightshade can cause stomach and gut symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Topical use may cause skin irritation in some people.

In larger amounts, the plant's alkaloids can cause more serious poisoning, with symptoms that may include dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, headache, slowed or irregular heartbeat, low body temperature, trouble breathing, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases collapse. Eating the berries can be life-threatening, particularly for children.

Because the line between a "traditional" amount and a toxic amount is unclear, any use carries a real risk of harm.

There is no established safe or standardized dose for bittersweet nightshade. Because the plant is toxic and the amount of active alkaloids can vary widely, it is not possible to give a reliable, safe amount to take by mouth.

If you encounter a commercial product (such as a topical cream or a homeopathic remedy), follow the label exactly and do not exceed the recommended use. Before trying any product that contains this herb, check with a pharmacist or doctor. We do not recommend taking bittersweet nightshade internally for self-treatment.