Herbs (Global Traditional) · Southeast Asian
Solanum xanthocarpum
Moderate Evidencebotanical2 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Solanum xanthocarpum contains steroidal alkaloids including solasonine and solamargine that provide bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. This Ayurvedic herb demonstrates clinically significant improvements in lung function parameters for respiratory conditions.
Solanum xanthocarpum, commonly known as Kantakari, is a plant species native to southern India belonging to the Solanaceae family. The dried fruits and whole plant material are processed into powder or water extracts for medicinal use. The herb contains multiple phytochemical compounds identifiable through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.
Clinical evidence includes a pilot trial (PMID: 10433479) testing 300mg single dose in asthma patients showing improved pulmonary function, and a follow-up study (PMID: 15551394) demonstrating progressive improvement over 3 days. An animal study (PMID: 21170209) showed significant anti-inflammatory effects at 500mg/kg, with 75% edema reduction when combined with Cassia fistula.
Clinically studied dosages: For acute asthma relief - single 300mg oral dose of whole plant powder. For short-term asthma management - 300mg three times daily for 3 days. Anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies used 500mg/kg body weight of extract. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Solanum xanthocarpum (Kantakari / Yellow-berried nightshade) is not consumed as a food crop but is used as a medicinal plant, so conventional macronutrient profiling is limited. Key bioactive compounds and phytochemical constituents include: • **Steroidal glycoalkaloids**: Solasonine (~0.2–0.8% dry weight of fruit) and solamargine (~0.1–0.5%), which are the primary pharmacologically active constituents responsible for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. • **Steroidal sapogenins**: Diosgenin (~0.3–1.0% in dried berries) and solasodine (~0.5–1.2% dry weight of unripe fruits), precursors used in semi-synthetic steroid production. • **Flavonoids**: Apigenin, quercetin, and luteolin detected in aerial parts (collectively ~0.5–1.5 mg/g dry extract); these contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. • **Alkaloids**: Carpesterol and solanocarpine present in trace amounts in whole plant extracts. • **Phenolic acids**: Caffeic acid (~0.3–0.8 mg/g dry extract) and chlorogenic acid (~0.2–0.6 mg/g dry extract) contributing to total antioxidant capacity. • **Coumarins**: Scopoletin and esculin detected in root and stem extracts in small quantities (~0.05–0.2%). • **Minerals (from whole fruit/plant ash analysis)**: Potassium (~1.2–1.8% dry weight), calcium (~0.8–1.4%), magnesium (~0.3–0.6%), iron (~150–300 ppm), and zinc (~30–60 ppm). • **Crude fiber**: ~18–25% in dried fruit material. • **Crude protein**: ~8–12% in dried fruit. • **Fatty acids**: Seeds contain approximately 15–20% fixed oil, with linoleic acid (~45–55% of total fatty acids), oleic acid (~20–28%), and palmitic acid (~12–18%). • **Vitamin C**: Trace amounts (~5–15 mg/100g fresh fruit), though highly variable. • **Bioavailability notes**: Solasonine and solamargine have relatively low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism and poor aqueous solubility; traditional preparations (decoctions, kwath) may partially improve extraction of water-soluble glycosides. Diosgenin bioavailability is enhanced by lipid co-administration. Flavonoid glycosides are hydrolyzed by gut microbiota to aglycones before absorption, resulting in variable inter-individual bioavailability (~5–20% for quercetin). The alkaloid content necessitates cautious dosing as excess intake may cause gastrointestinal irritation and toxicity.
Solanum xanthocarpum's steroidal alkaloids solasonine and solamargine inhibit inflammatory mediators and provide bronchodilatory effects through smooth muscle relaxation. The plant's flavonoids and saponins modulate cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, reducing prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene synthesis. These compounds also enhance mucociliary clearance and stabilize mast cell membranes.
Clinical trials in mild to moderate asthma patients show significant improvements in lung function parameters including FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEF25-75%. Animal studies demonstrate 75% inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema when combined with Cassia fistula. The evidence quality is moderate, with most human studies being small-scale trials. Limited safety data exists from controlled human studies.
Solanum xanthocarpum may cause gastrointestinal irritation and should be avoided during pregnancy due to its steroidal alkaloid content. The herb may interact with bronchodilator medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, potentially enhancing their effects. Individuals with nightshade allergies should exercise caution as this plant belongs to the Solanaceae family. Long-term safety data is limited and professional supervision is recommended.
