Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various folk practices across Africa and Asia. It has been employed topically and internally for a variety of skin conditions, including itching, eczema, and ringworm. The plant is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itch) properties, which have led to its application in treating itching caused by skin irritations or allergic reactions.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some animal studies and in vitro research suggest that Black Nightshade extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically help with skin irritation and itching. Despite this, there are very few clinical studies on humans directly evaluating its effectiveness for pruritus (itching). The evidence rating is therefore low, as the support is primarily based on traditional knowledge and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific data. Additionally, parts of the plant can be toxic if not prepared correctly, so traditional use often involves specific processing methods to reduce potential toxicity.

In summary, the use of Black Nightshade for itching is justified by traditional use, with only weak scientific evidence to support it. Caution is advised due to the plant's potential toxicity, and more rigorous clinical research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety for this indication.

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