Bittersweet nightshade
Scientific names: Solanum dulcamara
Family: Solanaceae
Alternate names: Amargamiel, Bitter Nightshade, Bittersweet, Blue Nightshade, Common Nightshade, Deadly Nightshade, Douce-Amère, Dulcamara, Fellen, Fellonwood, Felonwort, Fever Twig, Herbe à la Fièvre, Herbe de Judas, Herbe de Judée, Kakmachi, Morelle Douce-Amère, Morelle Grimpante, Mortal, Rubabarik, Scarlet Berry, Snake Berry, Staff Vine, Vigne de Judée, Violet Bloom, Woody, Woody Nightshade
Background
Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is a vine-like plant in the same family as tomatoes and potatoes. The stem is used to make medicine.
The stem contains chemicals that might have anti-inflammatory effects. But the leaves and berries of bittersweet nightshade are poisonous.
People use the stem of bittersweet nightshade for acne, eczema, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Bittersweet nightshade leaves and berries can be toxic.
The stem contains chemicals that might have anti-inflammatory effects. But the leaves and berries of bittersweet nightshade are poisonous.
People use the stem of bittersweet nightshade for acne, eczema, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Bittersweet nightshade leaves and berries can be toxic.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: The STEM of bittersweet nightshade is possibly safe. But the LEAVES and BERRIES are poisonous and likely unsafe. Consuming the leaves or berries can lead to poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, slowed breathing, and death.
When applied to the skin: The STEM of bittersweet nightshade is possibly safe.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bittersweet nightshade is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Some chemicals in this plant have been linked to birth defects in animals. There isn't enough reliable information to known if bittersweet nightshade is safe to apply to the skin when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Stomach conditions such as ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Avoid using bittersweet nightshade if you have one of these conditions. It can irritate the stomach and intestine and make these conditions worse.
When applied to the skin: The STEM of bittersweet nightshade is possibly safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Bittersweet nightshade is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Some children have died from eating unripe bittersweet nightshade berries. There isn't enough reliable information to known if bittersweet nightshade is safe to apply to the skin in children. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bittersweet nightshade is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Some chemicals in this plant have been linked to birth defects in animals. There isn't enough reliable information to known if bittersweet nightshade is safe to apply to the skin when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Stomach conditions such as ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Avoid using bittersweet nightshade if you have one of these conditions. It can irritate the stomach and intestine and make these conditions worse.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using bittersweet nightshade for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Bittersweet nightshade berries and leaves are poisonous.
Bittersweet nightshade STEM has traditionally been used by adults in a dose of 1-3 grams by mouth daily. It's also been prepared as a tea, as well as applied to the skin as a compress. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Bittersweet nightshade STEM has traditionally been used by adults in a dose of 1-3 grams by mouth daily. It's also been prepared as a tea, as well as applied to the skin as a compress. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Bittersweet Nightshade interacts with any medicines. Before taking Bittersweet Nightshade, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/03/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 24/12/2012 22:47:49. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
