Solanum nigrum also known as Black Nightshade or Makoi(h) Kakamachi is a perennial shrub found in wooded areas. The height of the plant is 40cm 130cm and leaves are 4-8 cm long. The fruit, root, leaves, flowers berry and the entire plant is used as medicine. It grows usually in nitrogen rich soil. It has reference of being used since Vedic age. It is an important shrub in Ayurveda. It is characterized by its white flower and purple-black berries. In India, it is found with red berries. The flowers and the berries are arranged in umbelliform.
It is extensively distributed in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and American continent, but originally it is native to Eurasia. It is seen used in Britain widely since ages. In India, it is found in Shimla, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and in many other regions. It grows as a weed with agricultural crops.
Medicinally Nightshade / Makoi (h) Kakamachi is anti-inflammatory, antihepatic, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic. It is proved that ancient people used this as medicine and drug. The herb is diuretic, diaphoretic, anodyne, expectorant alternative.
