Makoy (Solanum nigrum) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

makoy, also technically known as Solanum nigrum, as a miracle herb due to its many health and medicinal properties. Most people call it Black Nightshade.

Makoy (Solanum Solanum nigrum) Herb used in Ayurveda, has soft, silky branches. This weed plant has heart-shaped leaves. The flowers might be white, green, or a combination of the two. The petals have yellow anthers that curl at the end. This shrub bears berries that turn red when ripe and dark purple when young.

Description

makoy is well-known for its toxic underripe berries. Because of the leaves’ purifying properties, consuming them causes excessive perspiration, which aids in regulating body temperature. Makoy is beneficial to the body both internally and outside. It is a calming plant with analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Botanical Name:

Solanum nigrum

Family:

Solanaceae

Leaves:

The simple, alternating leaves have unevenly serrated borders.

Flowers:

Five petals, white, tiny, and fashioned like a star. They borne in umbels, or clusters, of two to five blooms.

Fruits:

Berries: spherical or slightly oval, 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) in diameter, green or black.

Stems:

Erect, branching, smooth or almost smooth, with a maximum height of one meter or less.

Habitat:

It is a weed that thrives in arid regions of India. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, such as deep, shallow, stony, or dry soil. Usually, it grows as a weed in wastelands or in damp habitats. It is suitable for cultivation in agroclimatic zones that are tropical or subtropical.

Parts Used:

  • Leaves
  • Fruits
  • Whole plant

Dosage:

  • Powder – 2 to 3 g
  • Juice 10 to 20 ml

Chemical Constitue

Solanum nigrum fruit extract showed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and carbohydrates.

Sanskrit Synonyms

Kustagni – Treats skin diseases

Bahuphala – Has many fruits

Gucchaphala – Clustered fruits.

Vayasi, Kakahva, Kakamachi – Fruits liked by crows.

Bahtikkta, Sarvatikkta– Fruits that tastes bitter

Other Language Names of Makoy (Solanum nigrum)

Hindi name – Makoy

Sanskrit name – Kakamachi, Kakahva

English name – Common nightshade, Garden Night  Shade

Tamil name  – Manarthakkali, Manaththakkali

Telugu name – Kamanchi

Kannada name – Ganikayeagida, Ganikegida, Ganike,

Marathi name – Kamoni

Urdu name – Makoh, Mako

Punjabi name – Mako

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Family Solanaceae
Order Solanales
Genus Solanum
Species S. nigrum

Medicinal Properties

Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)

Guna (Qualities) – Snigdha (Slimy), Laghu  (Light)

Veerya (Potency) – Anushna (not hot)

Vipaka – Katu (undergoes pungent taste after digestion)

Karma (Actions) – Tridoshagna (reduces all  three doshas)

Makoy (Solanum nigrum) Uses

  • This herb’s juice is frequently used to relieve pain and treat fever.
  • Mouth ulcers can be treated using the juice of makoy leaves. Menstrual difficulties can also be treated with this juice.
  • Because rubbing its seeds on the cheeks helps get rid of freckles, its fruit is used as a cosmetic.
  • It treats a variety of stomach problems, including flatulence, stomach aches, and cramps.
  • Makoy can be used to effectively treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and freckles.
  • It is a crucial component of several medications designed to treat different liver conditions.
  • This plant provides relief for a number of oral health issues, including gum disease and foul breath.
  • For wounds and malignant sores, a decoction of this herb’s stem, leaves, and roots is useful.

Don’t miss: Parpata (Fumaria Parviflora)- Properties, Uses and Benefits

Makoy (Solanum nigrum) Benefits

Makoy kadha can also aid in the avoidance of jaundice:

When a person regularly consumes this plant, their liver will be strengthened by the abundance of antioxidants in its leaves. Because of this, consuming black nightshade plant extracts is suggested for those with jaundice or other liver diseases to aid in their recovery more quickly.

Stomach Disorders:

Digestive issues can be effectively treated with the leaves. You can use the leaf juice straight up or combine it with other beverages or juices. It is used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as colitis, peptic ulcers, and flatulence. The plant’s infusion helps treat dysentery and other stomach problems.

It also aids in the treatment of UTIs:

For patients who experience recurrent urinary tract infections, black nightshade’s polyphenols and antibacterial qualities make it an ideal remedy. By increasing urine production and vaginal secretion, eating it aids in the removal of bacteria and viruses that are developing inside your vulva.

Asthma:

Patients with asthma benefit from the plant’s ability to clear their bronchial tubes of catarrhal debris and mucus. Asthma can also be effectively treated with the plant’s fruits.

It can also control your anxiety:

Because black nightshade is a diuretic, it can help you relax even in the most stressful circumstances. This plant’s oxidative nature maintains high oxygen levels in your body, allowing stressors to be managed.

Dropsy:

When treating dropsy, the plant is helpful. Urine secretion and discharge are increased by it. It can be used as a vegetable or as a decoction to treat this illness. Six to eight milliliters of an extract of the leaves and stem may also be consumed.

Makoy (Solanum nigrum) Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset:

The most typical adverse reaction of ma koy is upset stomach, which can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. This is because solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can be hazardous in excessive concentrations, is present in ma koy.

Neurological problems:

Solanine can potentially result in neurological issues at large dosages, including headache, vertigo, disorientation, and paralysis.

Birth defects:

Makoy (Solanum nigrum ) is thought to pose a risk to expectant moms and nursing mothers. A nursing baby may be harmed by solanine that enters the breast milk.

Interaction with medications:

Makoy may interfere with some drugs, including those that are processed by the liver and blood thinners.

Conclusion

Makoy leaves can be used to make a paste that is administered topically to treat skin conditions. Stomach ulcers can be treated with the plant’s fresh leaf juice. The herb’s berries are good for your respiratory system. The juice of the herb relieves pain and treats fever.

FAQS

How is makoy used in Ayurveda medicine?

The anti-inflammatory qualities of makoy berries can aid in reducing inflammation within the body. This Ayurvedic Ramban can help relieve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel illnesses, kidney disease, and arthritis.

What is Solanum nigrum used for?

Naturally found in Africa, Solanum nigrum is used as a food and medicinal plant in Cameroon to cure a variety of conditions, including tumors, inflammation, hepaprotection, tonsillitis, wing worms, pneumonia, and hurting teeth.

What is the botanical name of Makoy?

Solanum nigrum

How is Solanum nigrum used in liver?

Apart from its ability to kill cancer cells, studies have also suggested that Solanum nigrum may shield the liver from chemical-induced damage and hepatic fibrosis.