Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for skin conditions such as eczema, warts, psoriasis, and other chronic skin eruptions. Historical texts from the 16th to 19th centuries cite its use as a topical or internal remedy for various skin ailments, often in the form of decoctions, ointments, or poultices. The herbalist Nicholas Culpeper and other early materia medica authors recommended bittersweet for “hot inflammations” and skin eruptions. The rationale for its use was based on the doctrine of signatures and empirical observation, not scientific research as understood today.

Modern scientific evidence supporting the use of bittersweet nightshade for skin infections is minimal to nonexistent. Some laboratory studies have identified the presence of alkaloids and glycosides in the plant, but there is no robust clinical data confirming efficacy or safety for treating skin infections. Furthermore, the plant contains toxic compounds (notably solanine), which can cause adverse effects if misused. Therefore, while its use is well-documented in herbal tradition, this has not been validated by scientific research, and the traditional evidence is weak by modern standards.

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