# Solanum dulcamara

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/solanum-dulcamara
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Bittersweet, Bittersweet nightshade, Woody nightshade, Climbing nightshade, Bitter nightshade, Blue bindweed, Amara dulcis, Dulcamara, Morelle douce-amère, Bittersüßer Nachtschatten

## Overview

Solanum dulcamara, commonly called bittersweet nightshade, contains steroidal alkaloids such as solanine and solasonine alongside phenolic compounds that drive its [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). These constituents neutralize free radicals primarily through electron donation and hydrogen atom transfer mechanisms, as demonstrated in controlled in vitro assays.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through radical scavenging mechanisms (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies)
• DPPH radical scavenging capacity demonstrated in experimental systems (preliminary evidence)
• Hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging activity shown using electron paramagnetic resonance methodology (preliminary evidence)
• Potential antibacterial activity of alkaloids (referenced but no detailed evidence provided)
• Note: No human clinical trials were provided in the research dossier

## Mechanism of Action

The steroidal glycoalkaloids and polyphenolic constituents in Solanum dulcamara donate hydrogen atoms or single electrons to unstable free radicals, quenching DPPH radicals and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) detected via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Phenolic acids and flavonoids in the plant chelate transition metal ions such as Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺, suppressing Fenton-type reactions that generate •OH. These combined mechanisms reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in cell-free systems, though receptor-level or enzyme-specific targets in human tissue remain uncharacterized.

## Clinical Summary

Available evidence for Solanum dulcamara's [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) is limited exclusively to in vitro and cell-free experimental systems; no published randomized controlled trials or human clinical studies have evaluated its efficacy or pharmacokinetics. DPPH radical scavenging capacity has been quantified in extract-based assays, and EPR methodology has confirmed hydroxyl radical neutralization under controlled laboratory conditions. Effect magnitudes vary considerably by extraction solvent and plant part tested, making cross-study comparisons unreliable. The German Commission E has historically acknowledged the plant's traditional use, but the commission's monograph reflects insufficient clinical evidence to support therapeutic claims.

## Nutritional Profile

Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade) contains limited macronutrient data due to its non-food status (toxic plant, not consumed as food). Bioactive compounds dominate its chemical profile: Steroidal alkaloids are primary constituents, including solanine (0.1–0.6% dry weight in berries and stems), solanidine, solasonine, and solamargine — the latter two being glycoalkaloids with demonstrated bioactivity. Steroidal saponins including diosgenin-based glycosides are present in aerial parts. Polyphenolic compounds include chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid derivatives, rutin, and quercetin glycosides, which are the primary contributors to the documented DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Alkaloid content varies by plant part: unripe green berries contain the highest solanine concentrations (potentially toxic thresholds >200 mg/kg fresh weight); ripe red berries contain reduced but still significant levels. The stems contain solacauline and related steroidal alkaloids. Tomatine analogues are also reported. Carotenoids (including beta-carotene and lycopene precursors) are present in ripe berries at trace levels. Fiber content of berries is estimated at 1–2% fresh weight but is not nutritionally relevant given toxicity concerns. Bioavailability note: Glycoalkaloids have poor oral bioavailability due to poor GI absorption but exert local mucosal effects; polyphenols from extracts show moderate in vitro availability. This plant is not approved for dietary use; all data derives from phytochemical and pharmacognostic analyses.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Solanum dulcamara were provided in the research. While manufacturing specifications describe water-soluble extracts with 60-95% solamargine and solasonine concentrations, these do not represent clinical dosing recommendations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Solanum dulcamara contains solanine and related glycoalkaloids that are toxic in sufficient quantities, causing nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, and central nervous system depression even at moderate doses from raw plant material. The German Commission E issued a negative monograph for internal therapeutic use, citing unproven efficacy and potential toxicity risk. Drug interactions are poorly studied, but alkaloid content theoretically warrants caution with anticholinergic medications, CNS depressants, and antiarrhythmic agents. The plant is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding and should not be self-administered without medical supervision due to its narrow margin between traditional use amounts and toxic doses.

## Scientific Research

The available research consists primarily of in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methodology to assess radical scavenging capacity. No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs were provided in the research dossier. One reference mentions alkaloids being screened for antibacterial activity in human studies, but no trial details, sample sizes, or specific outcomes were included.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not contain information about the historical or traditional use of Solanum dulcamara in traditional medicine systems. No documentation was provided regarding conditions it was traditionally used to treat or the duration of its traditional use.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, grape seed extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the active compounds in Solanum dulcamara responsible for antioxidant effects?

The primary bioactive compounds include steroidal glycoalkaloids such as solanine and solasonine, alongside phenolic acids and flavonoids. Phenolic constituents are principally responsible for DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in vitro, likely through hydrogen atom transfer and electron donation. The alkaloids contribute to biological activity but are also the source of the plant's toxicity profile.

### Is Solanum dulcamara approved by the German Commission E?

The German Commission E evaluated Solanum dulcamara and issued a negative monograph, meaning it did not approve the herb for therapeutic use. The commission concluded that efficacy had not been sufficiently demonstrated and that the risk-benefit profile was unfavorable given the plant's glycoalkaloid toxicity. This distinguishes it from Commission E-approved herbs that received positive monographs.

### How was Solanum dulcamara's antioxidant activity measured in studies?

Researchers used the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) colorimetric assay to quantify free radical scavenging capacity of plant extracts, measuring the decrease in absorbance at 517 nm as radicals are neutralized. Hydroxyl radical scavenging was assessed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, which directly detects radical species in solution. Both methods are standard in vitro screening tools and do not reflect activity in living human tissue.

### Is Solanum dulcamara safe to take as a supplement?

Solanum dulcamara is not considered safe for unsupervised supplementation due to its solanine and solasonine content, which can cause gastrointestinal toxicity, bradycardia, and neurological effects at elevated doses. The German Commission E specifically advised against its internal use as an herbal remedy. No standardized supplement dosage has been validated in human trials, and the toxic threshold for glycoalkaloids in sensitive individuals is not well established.

### What is the difference between Solanum dulcamara and deadly nightshade?

Solanum dulcamara, or bittersweet nightshade, is a distinct species from Atropa belladonna, which is commonly called deadly nightshade. Atropa belladonna contains tropane alkaloids including atropine and scopolamine that act on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, while Solanum dulcamara contains steroidal glycoalkaloids such as solanine. Both plants are toxic, but their alkaloid chemistry, mechanisms of toxicity, and historical medicinal uses differ substantially.

### What does current research evidence show about Solanum dulcamara's effectiveness as a supplement?

Current evidence for Solanum dulcamara is primarily limited to preliminary in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant activity through radical scavenging mechanisms, including DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity. Clinical trials in humans are largely absent, which means efficacy claims remain largely unproven and cannot be definitively substantiated. The WHO/EMA monograph listing indicates traditional use recognition, but this does not equate to proven therapeutic benefit in clinical practice.

### Who should avoid taking Solanum dulcamara supplements?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Solanum dulcamara due to the presence of alkaloids and insufficient safety data in these populations. Children and individuals with kidney or liver dysfunction should exercise caution, as alkaloid metabolism may be impaired. Patients taking medications that interact with alkaloid-containing plants should consult a healthcare provider before supplementation.

### Does Solanum dulcamara interact with common medications?

Limited interaction data exists for Solanum dulcamara; however, the alkaloid content suggests potential interactions with medications metabolized through hepatic pathways or affecting acetylcholine activity. Individuals taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or medications for neurological conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use. Concurrent use with other alkaloid-containing botanicals should be avoided pending safety data.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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