Solanum ferox (Hairy-Fruited Eggplant)

Solanum ferox (Hairy-Fruited Eggplant)

WARNING! The plant is poisonous!

Product Name: Паслён горький, Solanum ferox, Bitterer Nachtschatten, Solanáceo amargo, Morelle amère, الباذنجان البري المر, มะเขือคางคก, Achchi bodring, аччы баклажан, Acı badımcan, Бадриджони талх, Kartus baklažanis, Rūgtais baklažānis, Паслін гіркий, מריר סולנום

Synonyms: Паслён волосистоплодный, Hairy-fruited eggplant, Hairy nightshade, Bitter wild eggplant, Bitter aubergine, Haarige Eierfrucht, Solanum lasiocarpum, Solanum stramonifolium var. lasiocarpum, Morelle velue, باذنجان بري, มะเขือขน, มะเขือฝอย, มะเขือเครือ, มะเขือเปราะป่า

Parts Used: fruit, seeds, leaves, roots, flowers.

Main Indications for Use of Solanum ferox: acute bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, soft tissue abscess, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, viral enteritis, trichomoniasis, skin candidiasis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Use of Solanum ferox in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, chronic gastritis, chronic pancreatitis, steatohepatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic heart failure, post-stroke rehabilitation, chronic renal failure.

Pharmacological Properties of Solanum ferox:

antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, antifungal, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, immunomodulatory.

• NEVER use the leaves, stems, roots, or green fruits of this plant for internal use.
• These parts contain toxic steroidal alkaloids (solasodine and its glycosides), which can cause poisoning:
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• dizziness
• convulsions
• in severe cases — liver damage, heart damage, and death.
• For internal use, only fully ripe fruits that have been dried or heat-treated are permitted.
• Even ripe fruits should not be eaten raw in large quantities.
• External use of leaves and roots is permissible only in properly prepared ointments, infusions, or oil infusions that do not enter the bloodstream in dangerous doses.
• Never experiment with "your own recipes" without knowledge of the chemical composition of the raw material.

Simple rule: if it is not a ripe fruit, it is poison.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Solanum ferox

Powder — Solanum ferox

Indications (Powder): acute bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, soft tissue abscess, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, viral enteritis, skin candidiasis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally 1.5 grams of powder 2 times a day, with 150 milliliters of warm water, course 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally 2 grams of powder 3 times a day for hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally 3 grams of powder 3 times a day for severe forms of pyoderma, soft tissue abscesses, acute bacterial gastroenteritis.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally 1 gram of powder once a day for 14 days every 3 months for chronic inflammatory joint diseases, tendency to hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): orally for children over 12 years of age and body weight over 35 kilograms, 0.5 grams 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute gastric ulcerative lesions, severe liver failure; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic skin reactions in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): for body weight less than 60 kilograms, the dose is reduced by 25 percent; for body weight more than 90 kilograms, the dose is increased by 15 percent.

Preparation method (Powder): ripe fruits 100 grams; the raw material is thoroughly washed, dried at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius to a residual moisture of 10 percent, ground in a mill to a powder state, sieved through a 0.5 millimeter mesh sieve, packaged in dark airtight containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store at a temperature of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius in a dry, dark place, protected from electromagnetic radiation, shelf life up to 18 months, use within 60 days after opening.

Dry Extract — Solanum ferox

Indications (Dry Extract): acute bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, soft tissue abscess, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, skin candidiasis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 500 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day, course 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 750 milligrams 3 times a day for hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 1000 milligrams 3 times a day for severe forms of pyoderma, soft tissue abscesses, bacterial gastroenteritis.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 500 milligrams once a day for 14 days every 4 months for chronic inflammatory joint diseases, hyperlipidemia.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): orally for children over 12 years of age and body weight over 35 kilograms, 250 milligrams 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, gastric ulcerative lesions in the acute stage, severe liver failure; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): diarrhea, nausea, headache in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): for body weight less than 60 kilograms, the dose is reduced by 20 percent; for body weight more than 90 kilograms, the dose is increased by 15 percent.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): ripe fruits 500 grams; the crushed raw material is poured with 70 percent ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 5, extracted at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius for 48 hours, filtered, concentrated under vacuum at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius until complete removal of alcohol (control — complete disappearance of smell), permissible residual ethanol content not more than 50 ppm, dried in a drying chamber at 45 degrees Celsius to a powder state, packaged in airtight containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius in a dry, dark place, protected from electromagnetic radiation, shelf life 24 months, use within 90 days after opening.

Tincture — Solanum ferox

Indications (Tincture): acute bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, soft tissue abscess, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, skin candidiasis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally 15 drops 2 times a day, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, course 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally 20 drops 3 times a day for hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally 25 drops 3 times a day for severe forms of pyoderma, soft tissue abscesses, bacterial gastroenteritis.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally 10 drops once a day for 14 days every 3 months for chronic inflammatory joint diseases, tendency to hyperlipidemia.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): orally for children over 14 years of age and body weight over 40 kilograms, 5 drops 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, gastric ulcerative lesions in the acute stage, alcoholism, severe liver failure; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): headache, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): for body weight less than 60 kilograms, the dose is reduced by 25 percent; for body weight more than 90 kilograms, the dose is increased by 10 percent.

Preparation method (Tincture): ripe fruits 200 grams; the crushed raw material is placed in a glass container, poured with 40 percent ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 5, infused for 14 days in a dark, cool place, shaking daily, then filtered, the smell is checked — the alcohol in the finished tincture is an active part, but if necessary for external use, it can be partially evaporated under vacuum at a temperature up to 50 degrees Celsius to the required concentration.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, protect from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation, shelf life 24 months, use within 90 days after opening.

Oil Infusion — Solanum ferox

Indications (Oil Infusion): acute bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, soft tissue abscess, skin candidiasis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally apply to affected areas 2 times a day in a thin layer for 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally apply 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin processes, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally apply up to 4 times a day for severe purulent-inflammatory skin lesions, abscesses (around the lesion, avoiding direct contact with the purulent cavity).

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply once a day for 14 days every 3 months for the prevention of exacerbations of chronic dermatitis in patients with a tendency to bacterial skin infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally for children over 6 years of age and body weight over 20 kilograms once a day, avoiding application to mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, open bleeding wounds, deep burns; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): allergic skin reactions, local irritation in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): not required, as the form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): ripe fruits 50 grams, leaves 20 grams, coconut oil 100 milliliters; the raw material is crushed, placed in a glass jar, poured with coconut oil, kept in a water bath at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius for 6 hours, stirring periodically, cooled, filtered through cheesecloth, poured into sterile dark bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store at a temperature of 5 to 18 degrees Celsius in a dark place, protect from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation, shelf life 12 months, use within 60 days after opening.

Ointment — Solanum ferox

Indications (Ointment): acute bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, soft tissue abscess, skin candidiasis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): externally apply a thin layer to the affected area 2 times a day for 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): externally apply 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin and joint lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): externally apply up to 4 times a day for severe purulent-inflammatory skin lesions, avoiding contact with open purulent cavities.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply once a day for 10 days every 3 months for the prevention of relapses of chronic dermatitis in patients with a tendency to bacterial skin infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): externally for children over 6 years of age and body weight over 20 kilograms once a day, avoiding application to mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, open bleeding wounds, deep burns; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Ointment): allergic skin reactions, local irritation in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): not required, as the form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Ointment): ripe fruits 30 grams, leaves 20 grams, coconut oil 60 grams, beeswax 10 grams; the fruits and leaves are crushed, poured with coconut oil, kept in a water bath at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius for 6 hours, filtered, melted beeswax is added, mixed until a homogeneous consistency, poured into sterile jars and cooled to room temperature.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store at a temperature of 5 to 18 degrees Celsius in a dark place, protect from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation, shelf life 12 months, use within 60 days after opening.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Solanum ferox

Toxicological studies on laboratory animals have shown that aqueous and ethanol extracts of Solanum ferox fruits at oral doses of up to 2000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight do not cause mortality or pronounced signs of acute toxicity, which allows this raw material to be classified as practically non-toxic according to OECD criteria. Data on exact LD50 values for fruits, leaves, and seeds in mammals are absent in available pharmacological sources. Extracts with external use at the studied doses did not cause skin irritation or sensitization. No reliable data on cumulative toxicity with long-term use have been recorded. Due to the presence of steroidal alkaloids and saponins in the composition, caution is recommended when using in patients with severe liver and kidney diseases.

Reference: https://jssm.umt.edu.my/wp-con...

Pharmacodynamics — Solanum ferox

The pharmacodynamic properties of Solanum ferox are determined by the presence of a complex of biologically active substances in its composition, including steroidal alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids. These compounds exhibit a modulating influence on various physiological systems of the body, exerting both systemic and local effects. Steroidal alkaloids interact with cell membranes and target proteins, which determines their influence on membrane permeability processes, ion channel activity, and the functional state of immune system cells. The flavonoid component exerts a pronounced antioxidant effect, reducing the activity of free radical reactions and stabilizing cellular structures, including lipid membranes and mitochondrial complexes. Saponins contribute to changes in the surface tension of cell membranes, which can enhance the penetration of other biologically active molecules and modulate the activity of enzymes involved in inflammatory and metabolic processes.

Phenolic acids and carotenoids exhibit photoprotective and membrane-stabilizing effects, reducing tissue damage during oxidative stress. These compounds are involved in regulating the expression of genes related to cytokine synthesis and can modulate the activity of enzyme systems such as cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases, which is associated with the regulation of inflammation mediators. The effect on the nervous system is mediated through influence on the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, as well as through possible modulation of GABA receptor activity.

At the level of the gastrointestinal tract, the ability of some fractions of Solanum ferox extracts to exert an astringent and mild antispasmodic effect is noted due to their action on smooth muscle fibers and peripheral receptor mechanisms. On the skin and mucous membranes, plant components act as mild antiseptics and stimulators of the local immune response, helping to protect epithelial tissues from microbial effects. The immunomodulatory effect is realized through balancing the activity of innate and adaptive immunity cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and T-lymphocytes.

Reference: https://jssm.umt.edu.my/wp-con...

Pharmacokinetics — Solanum ferox

The absorption of active substances of Solanum ferox depends on the form of administration and the nature of extraction. With oral use of powder or dry extract, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic acids are absorbed primarily in the small intestine by passive diffusion and partially with the participation of transport proteins. With Tinctures and oil infusions, lipophilic components, including carotenoids and steroidal alkaloids, are absorbed more slowly, but with more pronounced accumulation in the lipid structures of tissues. With transdermal use (ointment, oil infusion), absorption occurs through the stratum corneum of the epidermis, followed by penetration into the dermis and partial entry into the systemic bloodstream, while the penetration rate increases when using oils with good penetrant properties, such as coconut oil.

The distribution of active substances is characterized by their accumulation in the liver, adipose tissue, skin, and mucous membranes. Some polyphenolic compounds can bind to plasma proteins, which affects the duration of their action. Metabolism occurs primarily in the liver with the participation of phase I and II biotransformation enzymes, including oxidation, hydrolysis, glucuronidation, and sulfation. Alkaloids and saponins undergo partial degradation under the action of intestinal microflora with the formation of metabolites that may also exhibit biological activity.

Excretion is carried out via the kidneys in urine and via the liver with bile. Lipophilic components may be excreted more slowly, with partial participation of the skin and sebaceous glands, especially with external use. With alcohol and oil forms, a longer retention of active substances in tissues is possible, which is associated with their gradual release from lipid depots.

Reference: https://tropical.theferns.info...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Solanum ferox

The pharmacological activity of Solanum ferox is due to the presence of a complex of steroidal alkaloids (including solasodine and its glycosides), saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids. Steroidal alkaloids interact with cell membranes, modulating their permeability and influencing the activity of ion channels, which can alter the electrophysiological characteristics of cells. An inhibitory effect on the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes has been proven, leading to a reduction in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Flavonoids exhibit the ability to modulate NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, which mediates a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Saponins additionally influence the activity of macrophages and neutrophils, enhancing phagocytosis and the regulation of oxidative metabolism, and also participate in the regulation of interferon synthesis, exerting a modulating effect on the innate immune response. Phenolic acids and carotenoids stabilize lipid membranes, protect vascular endothelium from oxidative damage, and participate in the regulation of the expression of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase). The complex effect includes a systemic level of action through the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, as well as a local effect on the skin and mucous membranes due to direct interaction with cellular structures and enzyme systems.

Reference: https://jssm.umt.edu.my/wp-con...

Synergy — Solanum ferox

In vitro and in vivo data indicate pharmacological synergy of Solanum ferox with other plant sources of biologically active substances. Combined use with Curcuma longa (turmeric) leads to potentiation of antioxidant activity due to mutual enhancement of modulation of NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling cascades, as well as joint inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The combination with Zingiber officinale (ginger) demonstrates an additive and partially potentiating effect in suppressing COX and LOX activity, which contributes to enhanced regulation of inflammation mediators at the cellular level. In combination with Camellia sinensis (tea), a synergistic increase in antioxidant potential and a protective effect on the endothelium is noted due to the polyphenolic complexes of both taxa, influencing the activity of endothelial NO-synthase and the state of vascular tone. The combination with Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) exhibits a modulating effect on the immune system, due to the combined action of saponins and flavonoids, enhancing the activity of macrophages and NK cells. Combined use with Allium sativum (garlic) reveals a potentiating effect on antimicrobial activity, which is associated with the effect of sulfur-containing compounds and alkaloids on the cell walls of microorganisms and the processes of their enzyme synthesis.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Solanum ferox

Solanum ferox is traditionally used in several countries of Southeast and South Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka. In Thailand, the fruits of the plant are known as "ma-khua khai" and are used in the northern and northeastern regions in spicy pastes and sauces, as well as in traditional medicine as an ingredient in infusions and decoctions. In Indonesia, especially on the islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra, the fruits and leaves of the plant were part of local medicines used in the "jamu" traditional medicine system. Among some ethnic groups of Borneo, a decoction of the fruits was used for washing and wrapping, and crushed seeds were used as a component of compresses. In the traditional medicine of Malaysia and the Philippines, the use of fruits in the form of macerates in vegetable oils for external use has been noted.

Historical information on the use of Solanum ferox dates back to pre-Islamic herbalists and the oral traditions of the peoples of Southeast Asia, where the plant was mentioned as culturally significant and useful for everyday needs. In ancient Javanese chronicles, the plant was described as food and medicinal, possessing "purifying power." In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, according to regional sources, the plant was mentioned in connection with a balancing effect on the body, although specific recipes were rarely recorded in writing.

In the cultural context, among some peoples of Indonesia, the plant was considered a talisman against evil spirits, and its thorny stems were used in rituals to protect the home. In some Thai villages, branches of Solanum ferox were hung at the entrance to the house during seasonal holidays, believing that they ward off ill-wishers and diseases. Mentions of seed smoking are found in ethnographic descriptions of the hill tribes of northern Thailand, where it was believed that the smoke cleanses the respiratory tract and drives out "bad wind."