The black nightshade (bot. Solanum nigrum) originally comes from southern Europe, but can now be found throughout Europe and many other parts of the world. The herb is considered toxic to humans and animals. However, the toxicity is controversial.
Consumption of black nightshade berries is not recommended
How poisonous is black nightshade?
Black nightshade contains alkaloids, tannins, solanine and a few other substances. Other nightshade plants, such as unripe tomatoes or potatoes, contain the toxic solanine. Ripe tomatoes, on the other hand, are delicious. The ripe berries (without seeds!) of the black nightshade are also eaten in some areas, but this is not recommended.
In agriculture, there is an urgent warning about the black nightshade. If it grows on the field between the fodder plants for livestock, the fruit and weed can get into the fodder silage and, in the worst case, have a fatal effect. Death usually occurs from respiratory paralysis. Symptoms of poisoning include drowsiness, anxiety, heart failure, and shortness of breath.
Where does black nightshade grow?
The black nightshade likes to grow on fallow land and rubbish dumps, but also on field edges and roadsides. After flowering, it develops small black fruits. These are about the size of peas. The seeds they contain remain viable in the soil for many years.
The essentials in brief:
- Toxicity disputed, but consumption is discouraged
- contains alkaloids
- is usually considered toxic to humans and animals, especially when unripe
- was formerly used as a medicine
- deadly if overdosed!
- Symptoms of poisoning: drowsiness, red head, anxiety, cardiac insufficiency, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, in the worst case death from respiratory paralysis
tips
Consumption of black nightshade is strongly discouraged, nor should it be planted in a home garden.