Scientific Name- Solanum nigrum
Family- Solanaceae
Solanum nigrum is an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant.
It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 cm.
The leaves are alternate, simple, and have irregularly toothed margins.
Flowers are small, white to greenish, and star-shaped with five petals.
The fruits are small, round berries that can be green or black when ripe.
Chemical Constituents
Solanum nigrum contains various chemical constituents, including alkaloids (such as solanine and
solanidine), flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and vitamins.
Properties:
In Ayurveda, Solanum nigrum (Makoy) is known for its properties:
Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Quality Laghu )- (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Taste): Katu (Pungent)
Dosha: It is considered to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Benefits
1-Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Makoy is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation and swelling in conditions like arthritis.
2-Antioxidant Effects: It contains antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3-Digestive Health: In some traditional systems of medicine, makoy has been used to improve digestion and alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
4-Diuretic Action: It is considered to have diuretic properties, which means it may help increase urine production and promote the removal of excess fluids from the body. This property may be
useful in managing conditions like edema (fluid retention).
5-Skin Conditions: Makoy has been applied topically in some cultures to treat skin conditions such as
rashes, itching, and minor skin irritations.
6-Fever Reduction: Traditionally, it has been used as a remedy to reduce fever, although scientific
evidence supporting this use is limited.
7-Respiratory Health: Some traditional uses of makoy include using it to alleviate respiratory symptoms like coughs and colds, although further research is needed to confirm its efficacy for these purposes.
8-Cancer Research: Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in Solanum nigrum may have potential anticancer properties, although more research is needed in this area
Conraindications
Makoy due to its poisonous property is not given in any of pediatric age group. Its extra doses lead to death from cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions or may be a paralytic attack.