Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is an annual weed in the Solanaceae family. It thrives in lighter soils rich in humus and nitrogen. Its typical habitats are ditches, uncultivated soils, hedges and along paths, and it also occurs as a weed in agricultural areas. In traditional medicine, black nightshade is used to treat liver diseases, some chronic skin disorders (e.g. psoriasis), inflammatory conditions, fever, cough, eye diseases and watery eyes. In the past it was cultivated and eaten young as spinach and the fruits were also eaten without harm. It is, however, considered a poisonous plant. Its feeding value is very harmful. Toxicity is attributed mainly to glycoalkaloids. It has also been implicated in nitrate poisoning of livestock. Research into the biochemical structure of the black nightshade has shown that it contains: steroidal glycoalkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, proteins, oxalate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), coumarins and other substances.
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