# Solanum xanthocarpum

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/solanum-xanthocarpum
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Solanum xanthocarpum, Kantakari, Yellow-berried nightshade, Thai eggplant, Ringani, Bhatkatiya, Indian nightshade, Solanum surattense

## Overview

Solanum xanthocarpum contains steroidal alkaloids including solasonine and solamargine that provide bronchodilatory and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. This Ayurvedic herb demonstrates clinically significant improvements in lung function parameters for respiratory conditions.

## Health Benefits

• Improves lung function in mild to moderate asthma - clinical trials show significant improvement in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEF25-75% parameters (moderate evidence)
• Reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) - animal studies demonstrate 75% inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema when combined with Cassia fistula (preliminary evidence)
• Provides progressive respiratory symptom relief - 3-day clinical study showed improvement in cough, breathlessness, and sputum production (moderate evidence)
• Demonstrates [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) - research indicates considerable antioxidant properties in fruit extracts (preliminary evidence)
• Shows potential anticancer properties - studies suggest anticancer activities in fruit extracts (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Solanum xanthocarpum's steroidal alkaloids solasonine and solamargine inhibit inflammatory mediators and provide bronchodilatory effects through smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep). The plant's flavonoids and saponins modulate cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 and leukotriene synthesis. These compounds also enhance mucociliary clearance and stabilize mast cell membranes.

## Clinical Summary

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.

## Nutritional Profile

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) 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](/ingredients/condition/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](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) 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.

## Dosage & Preparation

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in animal studies used 500mg/kg body weight of extract. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) 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.

## Scientific Research

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects at 500mg/kg, with 75% edema reduction when combined with Cassia fistula.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Solanum xanthocarpum is widely used in the Siddha medicine system of southern India for treating respiratory diseases, particularly bronchial asthma. The herb is also referenced in Ayurvedic medicine texts for multiple therapeutic applications. Clinical studies were specifically designed to validate these traditional respiratory health claims.

## Synergistic Combinations

Cassia fistula, Adhatoda vasica, Piper longum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Solanum xanthocarpum?

The primary active compounds are steroidal alkaloids solasonine and solamargine, along with flavonoids and saponins. These alkaloids provide the plant's bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

### How much Solanum xanthocarpum should I take for asthma?

Clinical studies typically used standardized extracts containing 2-3% steroidal alkaloids at doses of 250-500mg twice daily. Dosing should be supervised by a healthcare provider familiar with herbal medicine.

### Can Solanum xanthocarpum be taken with asthma medications?

This herb may interact with bronchodilators and corticosteroids, potentially enhancing their effects. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before combining with prescription asthma medications.

### How long does Solanum xanthocarpum take to work for breathing?

Clinical trials showed improvements in lung function parameters within 4-6 weeks of regular use. Acute bronchodilatory effects may occur within hours, but sustained benefits require consistent supplementation.

### Is Solanum xanthocarpum safe during pregnancy?

No, Solanum xanthocarpum should be avoided during pregnancy due to its steroidal alkaloid content which may cause uterine contractions. Pregnant and nursing women should not use this herb.

### What does clinical research show about Solanum xanthocarpum's effectiveness for asthma?

Clinical trials demonstrate moderate evidence that Solanum xanthocarpum improves lung function in mild to moderate asthma, with significant improvements measured in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEF25-75% parameters. However, most studies are relatively small and short-term, with a 3-day clinical study showing progressive respiratory symptom relief. While the evidence is promising, larger and longer-duration trials are needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and long-term efficacy.

### Who should avoid Solanum xanthocarpum or use it with caution?

Individuals with severe asthma requiring high-dose corticosteroids should consult a healthcare provider before using Solanum xanthocarpum, as it is studied primarily for mild to moderate asthma. Those with known allergies to Solanaceae plants (nightshade family) should avoid this ingredient. Additionally, individuals taking immunosuppressant medications should seek medical guidance, as the herb's anti-inflammatory mechanisms may potentially interact with immune regulation.

### What is the difference between using Solanum xanthocarpum alone versus combined with other herbs like Cassia fistula?

Animal studies show that combining Solanum xanthocarpum with Cassia fistula produces enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating 75% inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema compared to potentially lower effects when used alone. However, most clinical respiratory research focuses on Solanum xanthocarpum as a single ingredient, so evidence-based dosing and safety data are more established for monotherapy. Herbal combinations may offer synergistic benefits but require individual tolerance assessment and medical supervision.

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