Solanum nigrum, Black Nightshade, is a variable species found all over the world, either as a native or introduced. Personally, I would not risk eating even a small amount. Unless you have purchased a known edible cultivar the safest approach would be to leave well alone since many strains are toxic. I would definitely not start self medicating with it. It is an annual so no, it will not survive the winter. Solanum nigrum

Thanks for the advice. I am glad I posted here before i ventured :)

As it happens what I have told you is accurate but I wouldn't take the word of a complete stranger on the internet. There is a lot of misinformation about, especially on public discussion forums. Did you check the link I gave? PFAF is a reputable site.

There is an incredibly fine line when using plants for medicinal purposes between what may be safe and what may be toxic. And much like floral, I would never recommend anyone attempt to self medicate with any plant without considerable previous experience with that plant or without knowing very specific doses or even parts which may be used. And I also wouldn't recommend using the Internet as a source.

Generally, if it is safe to ingest as a medical supplement, it will be processed and sold as such in a health food store with all the necessary considerations for safety and dosage, etc taken care of.

hi floral_uk. I did see the link you sent. I also did some more research on the internet. There are varied write-ups about this plant and whether or not it is toxic is highly debated. Here is one article I found that was quite interesting as well. My intention was not to use it for medicate, but what I had heard was that it is good for digestion and hence include it in my diet - just as carrot is rich in vitamin A and good for eyes. In any case, thanks for the responses.

One local authority says this:

"The unripe berries are poisonous, but the fully ripe berries can be cooked into jams or pies. The toxic alkaloid solanine (also in green potatoes) is destroyed by cooking. Can you imagine - "Here, do taste my Nightshade pie?" The raw berries vary from foul to tomato-flavored. Even the cooked greens are eaten by some people. Note that Tomato, Potato, Eggplant, Tomatillo and Red Pepper are all cousins in the same Nightshade family. In China, Black Nightshade has been used to increase virility. In Europe and North America, herbalists have employed Nightshades carefully to serve worthy healing ends."

Wild Plants of Greater Seattle

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