AN UPDATED REVIEW ON MOLECULAR GENETICS, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF BLACK NIGHTSHADE (SOLANUM NIGRUM)

This article reviews, connected the gap between the folkloric use of Solanum nigrum and the results of evidence based experiments. Although Solanum nigrum is a rich source of one of plants most dreaded toxins solanine, it has appreciably monstrated its potential as a reservoir of antioxidants having hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, cytostatic, anti-convulsant, anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory.effects. The review encompasses in-vitro, in vivo and clinical studies done on Solanum nigrum, while examining.whether or not correct scientific measures have been taken in generating experimental evidences for its traditional uses. This review would afford research scientist to know how much is known and what is left undone in the investigation of Solanum nigrum. The compounds considered in this revieware flavonoids and other phenolics, alkaloids (especially indole terpenoid and purine alkaloids), essential oils and other terpenoids, cannabinoids, lucosinolates and isothiocyanates, and compounds having human hormone activity. The review concludes with a discussion of the possible evolutionary mechanisms that have led to the evolution of UV-B regulation of secondary metabolite accumulation. Many Ayurveda philosophers and healers praised about the properties of this plant and utilized in various disorders. Here, a review made on the screening of Solanum nigrum for various activities. It is found that the drug is very potential and can be used for various applications as mentioned in Ayurveda.  Black nightshade grows as a weed, found in the dry parts of India and other parts of the world. It has a medicinal usage and has been used as a traditional folk medicine for treating various ailments such as pain, fever and liver disorders. Generally, black nightshade is very rich in nutritive values, which are capable of supplying minerals, vitamins, hormones and proteins. This herb elaborates a wide variety of medicinal properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cytoprotective, antimicrobial, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties.