Health Guide

Yellow-Fruit Nightshade

Yellow-Fruit Nightshade (Solanum linnaeanum) is a Mediterranean plant whose active compound, Solanine, is used in dietary supplements as a potent natural painkiller. While the raw fruit is toxic, purified extracts are used to treat arthritis and chronic inflammation. It acts by inhibiting cholinesterase, helping to block pain signals and relax muscles, offering a natural alternative to synthetic NSAIDs.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Bioavailability: Solanine (Purified) vs Raw Fruit

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Therapeutic Bioavailability (%)

Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Natural Pain Relief: Effective for joint and nerve pain.
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces swelling in arthritic joints.
Muscle Relaxant: Eases spasms and stiffness.
Digestive Aid: Stimulates bile flow in small doses.

Deep Dive

The active compound, Solanine, inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase, similar to certain pharmaceutical painkillers. This increases acetylcholine levels, helping regulate pain signals and muscle movement. It targets inflammation sources without the harsh stomach-lining side effects often associated with synthetic drugs like ibuprofen. However, precise dosing is critical due to its potency.

Natural Food Sources

While Solanum linnaeanum fruit is toxic and not eaten directly, glycoalkaloids are found in trace amounts in common, ripe nightshade vegetables.

Food	Amount	% DV
Ripe Tomatoes	1 Cup	Low (Trace)
Eggplant	1 Cup	Low (Trace)
Potatoes (Flesh)	1 Medium	Low (Trace)
Bananas	1 Medium	Low (Trace)
Raspberries	1 Cup	Low (Trace)

Supplementation

Due to the toxicity of the raw fruit, this nutrient is best taken as a standardized supplement. Look for extracts standardized to Solanine content. It is primarily recommended for those with chronic arthritis or sciatica who need a stronger natural alternative.

Top Food Sources

Yellow-Fruit Nightshade (Supplement)

Standardized extract (10-30mg Solanine)

Ripe Tomatoes

Supportive dietary source only

Eggplant

Supportive dietary source only

Bananas

Contains related alkaloids

Potatoes

Must be ripe; green potatoes are toxic

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The raw fruit is toxic and contains dangerous levels of solanine. It should only be consumed in standardized, purified supplements.

Consult your doctor. Solanine affects acetylcholine levels and can interact with other pain medications or anticholinergic drugs.

Many users report relief within 1-2 weeks of consistent daily use, though results vary by individual and condition severity.

Ripe tomatoes and potatoes contain trace amounts of glycoalkaloids, but you would need to eat massive unsafe quantities to get a therapeutic dose.

Safety & Side Effects

This is a potentially toxic substance. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. Do not exceed recommended doses. Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from liver/kidney disease. Interacts with anticholinergic drugs.

Scientific References

[1]Al Sinan, S. et al. (2019). 'Solanine: Review of methods and biological activities.' *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry*.
[2]Caldwell, K. (2020). 'Glycoalkaloids in the Human Diet: Safety and Toxicity.' *Toxicology Reports*.
[3]Roddick, J. (1989). 'The role of solanine in potato toxicity.' *Phytochemistry*.