Solanum dulcamara: botanical description, origin and habitat
Solanum dulcamara, commonly known as bittersweet, amardulce, bitter honey, dulciamarga, intoxicator, royal vine of Judea, sweet solano, climbing mulberry and devil's grapes, is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant belonging to the family SolanaceaeIt is native to the north and center of Europe, Asia and North Africa, although it is currently naturalized in many temperate climate regions of the world, even extending to North America, where it is considered an invasive species in certain areas.
It develops in different types of terrain, but shows preference for humid environments, being common to find it in undergrowth, riverbanks, canals, marshy areas and banks of watercourses, where it can share space with other climbers and form dense thickets in which numerous animals take refuge.
La nightshade It is a perennial plant that typically measures between 60 and 150 centimeters, although in optimal conditions it can reach up to 4 meters in height. The stem is woody, pubescent, and creeping, often supine or climbing. Its leaves are alternate, petiolate, entire or trilobed, oval in shape, and often acute; they can measure from 4 to 12 cm long. The flowers, grouped in clusters or panicles of 3 to 20, have a purple corolla and yellow stamens arranged in a central column. They are hermaphroditic and actinomorphic in symmetry.
El fruit It is an ovoid berry of deep red color when ripe, which is poisonous to humans and most mammals, but is consumed by wild birds like thrushes, immune to its toxicity and responsible for dispersing the seeds.
Etymology and popular names
The term solanum comes from Latin, already used by classical authors to refer to several species of the genus, including eggplant and nightshade, and probably derives from “sol” due to the preference of these plants for sunny locations. The epithet nightshade It means "bittersweet", alluding to the taste of some parts of the plant, which leave a bitter sensation followed by a sweet aftertaste.
This species has numerous local names in different languages, some of the most common being: bittersweet, bitter honey, bittersweet, intoxicating, bare herb, henbane, climbing mulberry, royal vine of Judea, sweet solano, devil's grapes. In Catalan it is called dulcamara, morella amarant, vidalbí; in Galician, dulcamara, mexacan, bon varón, escurnacabras; in Basque,azari-matz.
Chemical composition and toxicity
The chemical composition of Solanum dulcamara It is complex and variable depending on the part of the plant and the state of ripeness. The entire plant is toxic, including the fruit, due to the presence of steroidal alkaloids and solanine, soladulcidin, tomatidenol, and solasodine, as well as glycosides, bidesmosid saponins (protoyamogenin), and other secondary compounds. The alkaloid content peaks in the green fruit and decreases as it ripens.
Solanine It is one of the most studied components and can excite the heart, in addition to being a potent toxin that affects the nervous system and destroys red blood cells. solasodine, another important alkaloid, has a depressing effect on the nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of the plant can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cramps, skin reddening, general fatigue, paralysis, and, in severe cases, coma preceded by violent convulsions. There is no specific antidote, so treatment consists of stomach pumps and rehydration. Therefore, the use of bittersweet in traditional medicine is restricted to controlled preparations and under professional prescription, and the indiscriminate consumption of any part of the plant is avoided.
In several countries the sale of Solanum dulcamara For this reason, acute toxicity has been confirmed in animal studies, with the lethal dose of solanine being relatively low: an LD50 of 32,3 mg/kg was recorded in mice and 20 mg/kg in rabbits.
Active substances and active ingredients
The main active ingredients identified in bittersweet are:
- Steroidal alkaloids (solanine, soladulcidine, tomatidenol, solasodine): responsible for toxicity and several of the attributed pharmacological actions.
- Saponins: especially in the stems, with expectorant and purifying activity.
- Carbohydrates and heterosides derivatives of soladulcidin, tomatidenol and solasodine, with varying concentrations.
- Fructose: present in ripe fruits, where saponins also almost completely disappear.
Medicinal properties of bittersweet
Solanum dulcamara It has been traditionally used in numerous cultures as a medicinal plant, especially in Europe. However, its use requires great caution due to its natural toxicity. Among its most recognized medicinal properties are included:
- Mild narcotic: used as a mild sedative in traditional preparations.
- Diuretic: promotes the elimination of fluids and can be used in conditions that require this action.
- Purifying: helps cleanse the body of toxins in alternative treatments.
- Expectorant: facilitates the expulsion of mucus in respiratory conditions.
- Anti-inflammatory: attributed to the presence of saponins and phenolic compounds that contribute to relieving inflammation.
- Antibacterial and antifungal: Various studies suggest its usefulness in the treatment of skin infections.
In addition, it has been given effects analgesics, antirheumatics and antipruritics (against itching), although clinical evidence is limited.
Traditional medicinal uses
La nightshade It has been traditionally used as:
- Remedy for skin diseases: Used in decoction to combat eczema, boils, acne, warts, and other inflammatory skin conditions, thanks to its purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. In Europe, it is approved as a complementary treatment for eczema and common warts.
- Treatment of arthritis and rheumatism: both for external use (poultices, ointments) and internal use (under supervision), to relieve joint and muscle pain especially linked to changes in season or cold.
- Relief from chronic respiratory diseases: such as bronchitis, asthma or cough, due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory action on the airways.
- Use as a sedative: In some countries, an infusion of stems and leaves is prepared as a homeopathic body sedative.
- Support in cases of bronchial congestion, mild heart disease, ulcerative colitis, and jaundice.
- Complementary treatment for digestive problems: such as enteritis, gastritis, some types of diarrhea and menstrual cramps.
In the past, the stems of the two- or three-year-old bittern (Stipes Dulcamarae) were collected in autumn or spring to prepare decoctions. In homeopathy, the essence of the young shoots is recommended as a remedy for chronic skin conditions and various nervous disorders.
Presentation forms and instructions for use
The way to use bittersweet varies depending on the disorder being treated and local tradition. The most common preparations are:
- Decoction of stems: formerly used for eczema, bronchitis and chronic asthma.
- Mother tincture and extract: present in phytomedicine and homeopathy for the treatment of allergies or dermatological problems; its dosage and use must be carefully supervised.
- Tablets, capsules or liquids to dissolve: modern formulations available exclusively under medical supervision.
- External use: in ointments, creams or gels intended to treat skin conditions (rashes, ulcers, cellulite) or rheumatic conditions.
- homeopathic medicine: made from fresh stems and leaves, collected at the beginning of flowering.
- Root decoction: less common, traditionally used for severe inflammation, including some alternative uses such as the treatment of ulcers and even cancer, although without sufficient clinical support.
Topical application of the fruit macerated in vinegar has been used to relieve swelling and ulcers.
Precautions, contraindications and toxicity
Extreme caution should be exercised in the use of Solanum dulcamara outside the doses prescribed by a health professional. It should never be collected or prepared without advanced knowledge., since the entire plant contains toxic alkaloid glycosides that are dangerous to humans and domestic animals. Symptoms of poisoning can occur even at relatively low doses and primarily affect the nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.
It is contraindicated in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with liver or kidney conditions, and in combination with other medications without medical supervision. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
Current applications in cosmetics and other industries
El bittersweet stem extract It is used in cosmetics such as skin conditioner, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the plant's toxicity has made its industrial use highly restricted and monitored. It is used in formulations that require controlled concentrations and a guarantee of absence of residual toxicity.
In the pharmaceutical industry, bittersweet is being studied as a potential source of compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity, although its use is limited by the difficulty of isolating the active ingredients without the risks inherent to the alkaloids present.
Care and cultivation of Solanum dulcamara
Solanum dulcamara It can be grown in gardens, especially in humid, shady, or semi-shaded areas, for ornamental purposes or to conserve biodiversity. It is a hardy plant that requires large pots or flowerbeds, fertile soil with a good humus content, and frequent watering. Avoid direct sunlight at midday, as this can limit its growth. It is recommended to add organic fertilizer every month and control its spread in the garden, as it can become invasive.
Curiosities and symbolism
Beyond its medicinal use, bittersweet has popular symbolism in various cultures. In European tradition, it is believed to have protective properties and has been used as an amulet to ward off evil and protect homes and animals. Furthermore, the beauty of its purple flowers and red berries make it a prized plant in naturalistic landscaping, despite its toxicity.
Synonymy and scientific classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Solanales
- Family: Solanaceae
- Genus: Solanum
- Species: Solanum dulcamara
Recognized botanical synonyms include Solanum dulcamara var. nightshade y Solanum dulcamara f. nightshadeIn different regions, more than a dozen different vernacular names are known.
La nightshade It is a plant notable not only for its botanical and medicinal value, but also for its importance in the biodiversity of humid ecosystems, its history as a traditional remedy, and its scenic appeal. While its use requires respect and knowledge, it continues to be the subject of research in both ethnobotany and contemporary pharmacology, maintaining a significant place in cultural heritage and natural medicine.
