Health Benefits of African Nightshade (Solanum scabrum)

The use of African Glossy Nightshade as a remedy for ailments has a long-standing history. Native to East Africa, West Africa, and South Africa, this plant is commonly found in wooded areas and is known for its various health benefits.

This article will explore 20 remarkable health benefits of the African Nightshade and the Black Nightshade that grow in other parts of the world since they are related species.

20 Remarkable Health Benefits of Black Nightshade (Solanum Scabrum)

Twenty incredible health benefits of African Nightshade or Black Nightshade, focusing on this versatile plant's leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits. Incorporating Black Nightshade into your regular diet can offer numerous advantages for your overall well-being.

1. Prevents Jaundice

Black Nightshade is an excellent preventive medicine for Jaundice. It helps to strengthen the liver muscles, reducing the chances of developing Jaundice.

Those who have Jaundice can include Solanum Nigrum in their diet to help alleviate the disease. The extract prepared from the leaves and fruits of Black Nightshade is particularly effective in treating Jaundice and liver diseases.

2. Cures Appetite and Feel of Distastes

Black Nightshade can be used as a home remedy for colds as well. It helps to cure loss of appetite and feelings of distaste. To prepare a treatment using Black Nightshade, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Solanum dried seeds

  • Pepper powder

  • Ghee

  • Cumin seeds

  • Salt

Boil the seeds in water, adding cumin seeds, pepper powder, and salt. Simmer until the mixture becomes soup-like. Consuming this mixture will help to alleviate cold symptoms and improve your appetite.

3. Strengthens Spleen and Treats Spleen Diseases

Black Nightshade is a potent medicine for treating spleen diseases. Its anti-bacterial properties help to eliminate disease-causing bacteria in the body, fighting against harmful microorganisms and boosting the immune system.

It also strengthens the spleen muscles and soothes stomach ulcers. To prepare a remedy for spleen health, you will need the following:

  • Black Nightshade greens

  • Cumin seeds

  • Turmeric powder

  • Gingelly oil

  • Salt

Heat the gingelly oil in a pan, adding cumin seeds and allowing them to fry. Add the Black Nightshade greens and cook until tender. Add water, turmeric powder, and salt, and simmer until the mixture is well cooked. Including this dish in your diet will help to improve spleen and liver health while healing stomach ulcers.

4. Cures Ulcers

Black Nightshade is an effective remedy for mouth ulcers. Consuming it as part of a regular diet can also help heal stomach ulcers. The plant's anti-bacterial properties make it an ideal treatment for these painful sores.

5. Soothes Sore Throat

Black Nightshade can help to soothe sore throats, making it an ideal dietary addition for public speakers and singers. This medicine can promote well-being by reducing inflammation and discomfort in the throat. 

6. Acts as a Natural Laxative Agent

Rich in fiber content, Black Nightshade can act as a natural laxative agent, helping prevent constipation. Consumption of this plant daily may contribute to regular bowel movements and overall digestive system improvement. 

7. Aids Digestion

Black Nightshade provides essential nutrients for the body. The body receives significant nutrients from Black Nightshade. Consistently adding it to your everyday meals can promote better food digestion and improve Digestion. Its fiber content also supports regular elimination, contributing to a healthy digestive system.

8. Remedy for Fever

Containing essential nutrients such as phosphorus, vitamins A, C, and B, iron, and calcium, Black Nightshade can help treat fever and its associated symptoms. Consuming cooked Black Nightshade leaves can help soothe body heat, making it an excellent remedy for fever-related skin allergies. The extract of Solanum Nigrum can also be effective in treating fever-induced body and joint pain.

9. Stimulates Kidney Function

Black Nightshade is considered a valuable herb for stimulating kidney function. It helps to filter urine from the kidneys, promoting overall renal health. Consuming Black Nightshade leaves or extracts can positively impact kidney function and overall urinary health.

10. Promotes Fast Pregnancy

Solanum Nigrum seeds can help promote fast pregnancy by strengthening and protecting the embryo. Including these seeds in the diet of those trying to conceive can improve fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.

11. Treats Skin Diseases

Black Nightshade treats various skin conditions such as allergies, heat boils, and skin irritation. Applying the extract of Solanum Nigrum directly to the affected area can relieve skin problems. You can also use the paste made from Black Nightshade greens externally to treat skin conditions effectively.

The abundance of vitamin C in Black Nightshade promotes skin wellness and prevents age spots, wrinkles, and lines. 

12. Encourages Good Sleep

The seeds of Black Nightshade fruits can be air-dried, powdered, and mixed with milk to create a soothing bedtime drink. Consuming this mixture at night can promote restful sleep and relieve body tiredness.

Solanum Nigrum seeds are particularly beneficial for individuals with tuberculosis and diabetes when included in their daily diet.

13. Strengthens the Immune System

The plant's leaves have been natural medicines for hundreds of years. More recently, the anti-bacterial properties of Black Nightshade increase longevity and improve the health of humans. Black Nightshade is rich in antioxidants, which help to boost the immune system and protect the body from diseases.

14. Prevents Cancer

Black Nightshade is an unconventional staple in the kitchen that can help you ensure you are eating healthy and staying cancer-free. It contains phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Black Nightshade can help prevent Cancer in the body by reducing inflammation and helping to boost the immune system.

15. Supports Eye Health

A small quantity of Vitamin A is sufficient for promoting eye health. An assortment of sources such as milk, eggs, and green vegetables can provide you with it.

One can obtain the vitamin by consuming fruits and vegetables like black nightshade. Highly nutritious and wholesome food is the black nightshade. It's a superfood because it has more vitamin A than carrots - over 100 times more. 

16. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels 

Black nightshade holds properties that assist in managing blood sugar levels. Hence it can prove advantageous for people with diabetes. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and calcium are some of the many beneficial substances in this plant.

It supports the battle against destruction within your body. The consumption of the Black Nightshade plant is known to aid in reducing cholesterol levels.

17. Reduces inflammation: 

Black nightshade holds properties that assist in managing blood sugar levels. Hence it can prove advantageous for people with diabetes. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and calcium are some of the many beneficial substances in this plant.

It supports the battle against destruction within your body. The consumption of the Black Nightshade plant is known to aid in reducing cholesterol levels.

18. Improves Cardiovascular Health

The potassium found in Black Nightshade is a natural diuretic that can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. This article reviews the benefits of this plant and its incredible health effects.

19. Promotes Weight Loss

Black Nightshade is a natural weight loss supplement that anyone can take. It increases metabolic rate and fat oxidation, promotes healthy weight loss, and curbs hunger. This supplement is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, so it's suitable for people with specific dietary requirements.

To alleviate digestive problems and facilitate weight loss, individuals resort to using Black Nightshade as a medication. It contains a unique fiber called capsaicin, which stimulates the release of endorphins that can make you feel full.

20. Boosts Brain Function

Black Nightshade is an antioxidant-rich herb that can help protect the brain from damage. The antioxidants in Black Nightshade can enhance cognitive function and help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Is it safe to consume Black Nightshade?

Black Nightshade is a common herb with various health benefits that are also commonly consumed as an alternative to its related plants, such as black henbane and belladonna. It treats anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous disorders in many cultures.

Black Nightshade is a species of nightshade that contains the toxin solanine. Solanine can be found in this plant's leaves, stem, and flowers.

Many plants like tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes also contain solanine via their glycoalkaloid contents. Its effects may depend on dosage or those that are allergic to it.

Some Black Nightshade wild plants found in many countries worldwide are harmful and poisonous due to their potent effects on the nervous system. 

Consult your doctor before using Black Nightshade in your diet, as some herbs may interact with existing medications.

Conclusion:

Black Nightshade, also known as Solanum Nigrum, has numerous health benefits. Providing significant vitamins and minerals can enhance your eyesight, strengthen your immune response, and promote skin health.

 



Related Information:

About Health and Nutritional Benefits of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu)

Fluted pumpkin leaves are greenish vegetables in Nigeria and other West African countries. They are edible when boiled or cooked with foods; they can also be taken as a vegetable salad or juice when mashed as...

Health Benefits of Isapa Leaf (Roselle Plant)

The Isapa leaf, also known as Roselle leaf or Hibiscus sabdariffa, holds great importance in traditional medicine and culinary practices. This plant possesses beneficial properties that can enhance your health when consumed regularly. 15 Surprisingly Health...