Synopsis

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

Solanum anguivi, commonly known as African eggplant or forest bitterberry, has a history of use in traditional medicine across parts of Africa for the management of malaria and related febrile illnesses. Ethnobotanical surveys document its use by traditional healers who prepare decoctions or infusions of its fruits or leaves for malaria-like symptoms. However, the primary support for its use comes from this traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.

A limited number of preliminary in vitro and animal studies have investigated the antiplasmodial activity of extracts from Solanum anguivi. Some of these studies report mild to moderate inhibitory effects against Plasmodium species, the parasites responsible for malaria. The bioactive compounds potentially responsible include steroidal alkaloids and saponins. Nevertheless, the quality, scale, and reproducibility of these studies are limited, and they typically do not extend to human clinical trials.

In summary, while Solanum anguivi is reported in the ethnomedicinal literature as a traditional remedy for malaria, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is sparse and preliminary. Its use is therefore justified mainly by cultural tradition, and the current level of scientific evidence remains low.

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