Herbs & Botanicals · Ayurvedic breathing herb
Kantakari
Solanum virginianum · also called Yellow-berried nightshade, yellow-fruit nightshade, Indian nightshade, Solanum xanthocarpum, Solanum surattense
Kantakari is a thorny Indian nightshade plant. Its fruit, root and whole plant are used in Ayurveda for asthma, cough and breathlessness. A few small studies without placebo groups report better breathing, so the evidence is very weak. Like other nightshades it contains natural toxins, so avoid it in pregnancy and ask a doctor first if you have asthma, diabetes or a hormone-sensitive condition.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Kantakari
Kantakari (Solanum virginianum, also written Solanum xanthocarpum or Solanum surattense) is a thorny nightshade whose fruit, root and whole plant are used in Ayurveda for asthma, cough and breathlessness. Two short pilot studies and one open-label trial report better asthma scores, but none had a placebo group, the herb worked less well than salbutamol in the pilots, and the 2022 product had several ingredients. Everything else is tradition or lab and animal work. Like other nightshades it contains steroidal glycoalkaloids that poisoned people in outbreaks with a related species, and its solasodine affected pregnant mice and male dogs. Avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts and about diabetes, blood pressure, hormone or asthma medicines.
What it is
Kantakari is a thorny plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), with yellow berries. The accepted botanical name is Solanum virginianum. Older papers and many products use Solanum xanthocarpum or Solanum surattense, which are listed as synonyms.
Do not confuse it with other Solanum plants. Two pilot trials tested a different species, Solanum trilobatum, alongside it, and the poisoning outbreaks we cite involve Solanum torvum. A different plant also carries the label 'Solanum xanthocarpum Domin'.
What makes it distinctive
Kantakari is one of the classic Ayurvedic herbs for the chest. It is usually given as a jam-like formulation (Avaleha), a decoction or a powder. It contains steroidal alkaloids such as solasonine, solamargine and solasodine, which drive both its reported activity and its toxicity.
Historical and current uses
Ayurveda recommends Kantakari Avaleha for asthma-like breathlessness, cough and hiccup. Siddha medicine in south India uses it for respiratory disease, and a Sri Lankan decoction with Kantakari is used for chronic sinusitis. A 2024 review of the literature found that skin diseases, piles and toothache are the commonest uses, with fruit and whole plant the main parts and decoction the commonest preparation.
What the research shows
In a 1999 pilot, one administration of whole-plant powder improved lung function in people with mild to moderate asthma, but less than salbutamol or deriphylline. A 2004 follow-up over 3 days found similar results, equal to deriphylline and less than salbutamol. A 2022 open-label trial of 69 people found improvement in both an Avaleha and a granule form, with no placebo group.
Everything else is lab or animal work, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and anti-tumour effects. We read only abstracts.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Ayurveda: Kantakari Avaleha (a jam-like formulation) for asthma-like breathlessness, cough and hiccup
- Siddha medicine (south India): respiratory disease
- Sri Lankan traditional medicine: part of a five-herb decoction for chronic sinusitis
- Ethnomedicine surveys: skin diseases, piles and toothache
Studied for research
- Asthma: very low certainty (small trials without placebo)
- Cough and chest congestion: insufficient evidence
- Chronic sinusitis: very low certainty (five-herb product)
- Blood sugar, inflammation, infection, liver and cancer: lab and animal studies only
Main compounds
- Steroidal glycoalkaloids such as solasonine and solamargine
- Solasodine, found in the berries
- Terpenoids and phenols (338 compounds counted in a 2024 review)
Common forms
- Whole-plant powder
- Decoction (the commonest traditional preparation)
- Kantakari Avaleha and Avaleha granules (multi-ingredient)
- Extracts (lab use only, not tested in people)
Research links: PubMed: Solanum xanthocarpum · Review: Solanum surattense (Pharmaceuticals 2024) · Open-label asthma trial: Kantakari Avaleha (Ayu 2022) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Solanum virginianum L.
- Naming authority
- L.
- Synonyms
- Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & H.Wendl.; Solanum surattense Burm.f.
- Common names
- Kantakari (Sanskrit / Hindi); yellow-berried nightshade (English); yellow-fruit nightshade (English); Indian nightshade (English)
- Botanical family
- Solanaceae (nightshade family), which also includes potato, tomato and eggplant.
- Classification
- Plantae > not checked > not checked > not checked > Solanaceae > Solanum > Solanum virginianum
- Native range
- Not verified from a primary source we read.
- Habitat
- Not verified.
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: Root and whole plant are used in traditional medicine; plant details were not verified in a source we read.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Berries (yellow when ripe, from the common name); the review says fruit is the most used part (25% of uses).
- Cultivation
- Not verified.
- Harvest and processing
- Not verified.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Solanum xanthocarpum Domin; Note: A different name with the same words; GBIF lists it as a synonym of S. esuriale, not of Kantakari.; Name: Solanum trilobatum; Note: A separate plant tested alongside Kantakari in two pilot trials; results for it are not results for Kantakari.; Name: Solanum torvum (susumber berry); Note: A separate plant; the glycoalkaloid poisoning outbreaks we cite involve it, not Kantakari.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ayurveda (India) | Kantakari Avaleha, a jam-like formulation, is recommended for Shwasa (asthma-like breathlessness), Kasa (cough) and Hikka (hiccup). | p38075186 |
| Siddha medicine (south India) | Used for respiratory diseases, according to the authors of two pilot studies. | p10433479 |
| Sri Lankan traditional medicine | A decoction containing Kantakari with four other herbs is used for chronic sinusitis. | p22131686 |
| Ethnomedicine surveys | Skin diseases, piles and toothache are the commonest uses; fruit and whole plant are the main parts; decoction is the commonest preparation. | p39065797 |
Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solasodine PubChem 442985 | steroidal alkaloid (aglycone) | berries not reported | Raised liver weight and lowered fetal weight in mice; acted against male hormones in dogs (isolated from Kantakari berries). Lab and animal findings only. 3 6 18 | Animal research |
| Solamargine PubChem 73611 | steroidal glycoalkaloid | not stated not reported | Named as a highly active compound in the 2024 review; found in toxic susumber berries in a poisoning outbreak (other species). 7 10 17 | Human poisoning (other species) and lab |
| Solasonine PubChem 119247 | steroidal glycoalkaloid | not stated not reported | Named as a highly active compound in the 2024 review; found in toxic susumber berries (other species). 7 10 19 | Human poisoning (other species) and lab |
| Triterpenoids and other compounds (lupeol, dioscin, stigmasterol, xanthosaponins, solanidine, tomatidine) | mixed | not stated not reported | The review counts 338 compounds in all, mainly terpenoids (137), phenol derivatives (56) and lipids (52). CIDs not looked up. 7 | Lab |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airways (bronchodilator-like effect) | not established | The authors of the 2004 pilot suggest from symptom changes that the herb acts like a bronchodilator and reduces airway swelling and secretions. This is their reading of human symptom scores, not a measured mechanism. 5 | Human (interpretation) |
| Glucose uptake | GLUT-4 (glucose transporter) | A leaf extract increased glucose uptake and GLUT-4 messenger RNA in rat muscle cells. 11 | Animal and cell |
| Male hormone action | not established | Solasodine acted against male hormones in dog sperm-storage tissue. 6 | Animal research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- No human data found.
- Distribution
- No human data found.
- Metabolism
- No human data found.
- Elimination
- No human data found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established in people.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Several safety findings (fetal weight in mice, effects in dogs) come from purified solasodine at high doses, while the human asthma studies used whole-plant powder or a multi-herb formulation. Results for one form should not be assumed for the other.
Nutritional composition
A nutrient table is not meaningful for this medicinal plant.
2 very low certainty5 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 7 benefits and uses checked for Kantakari, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Asthma symptomsVery low certainty
- Cough and chest congestion (traditional)Not enough evidence
- Chronic sinusitis (multi-herb decoction)Very low certainty
- Blood sugar (lab and animal only)Not enough evidence
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (lab only)Not enough evidence
- Skin problems, piles and toothache (traditional)Not enough evidence
- Antimicrobial, liver-protective and anti-tumour effects (lab and animal only)Not enough evidence
What is Kantakari good for?
The traditional uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. For Kantakari, "insufficient" means we found no human trials, and "very low" means a few small, unblinded studies.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Asthma symptoms
Very low certaintyKantakari is best known in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine as a herb for asthma and breathlessness. Two short pilot studies of the whole-plant powder and one open-label trial of an Ayurvedic jam-like formulation reported better breathing scores. None had a placebo group, and the formulation had several ingredients. The evidence is weak and does not replace asthma medicines.
4 studiesWhole-plant powder (pilots) and a multi-ingredient jam-like formulati…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Govindan 1999 (p10433479) gave people with mild to moderate asthma whole-plant powder of S. xanthocarpum or of a different species, S. trilobatum, once and measured lung function two hours later. Both improved lung function, less than the standard bronchodilators salbutamol and deriphylline. Govindan 2004 (p15551394) gave the herbs for 3 days and saw better peak flow and lower cough, breathlessness and sputum scores, similar to deriphylline and less than salbutamol. Both abstracts say no untoward effects were reported. Senarthne 2022 (p38075186) randomised 69 people with mild to moderate asthma to Kantakari Avaleha or Avaleha granules for 60 days with 30 days follow-up; both groups improved on asthma control scores and the two forms did not differ. The 2024 review (p39065797) says human trials of whole-plant extract showed anti-asthma efficacy.
Results
All three human studies report improvement within the treated groups. In the two pilot studies the herb was less effective than salbutamol.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes or confidence intervals are given in the abstracts.
Why this rating
The studies are small, short, have no placebo group, the two pilots come from one research group, and the 2022 product has several ingredients. Sample sizes of the pilots are not in the abstracts.
Form and dose studied
Whole-plant powder (pilots) and a multi-ingredient jam-like formulation or granules (2022 trial). Amounts are not given here; ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Who was studied
Adults and children with mild to moderate asthma in India (age details not in the abstracts).
Limits
Abstracts only. No placebo, no blinding mentioned in the abstracts, short follow-up, no study in severe asthma.
Why researchers looked
It is one of the main traditional herbs for breathing problems in India.
Traditional use
Kantakari Avaleha is one of the formulations recommended in Ayurveda for Shwasa (asthma-like breathlessness), Kasa (cough) and Hikka (hiccup). Siddha medicine in south India also uses it for respiratory disease.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established. The 2004 trial authors suggest a bronchodilator-like action and less airway swelling and mucus from their symptom results; this is their interpretation, not a tested mechanism.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not stop or replace prescribed asthma medicines or reliever inhalers. Severe breathlessness needs urgent medical care.
Cough and chest congestion (traditional)
Not enough evidenceIn Ayurveda, Kantakari preparations are recommended for cough, hiccup and breathlessness. We found no controlled trial that tested Kantakari alone for cough. The only cough-related result is a symptom score inside the asthma studies.
2 studiesTraditionally a decoction or jam-like formulation; not tested for cou…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2004 pilot (p15551394) measured cough, breathlessness and sputum scores in people with asthma and reported they fell over 3 days. That is asthma research, not a trial of cough from other causes. The 2022 trial (p38075186) states the traditional indication.
Results
Cough was a secondary symptom score in an asthma study, not a stand-alone trial.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
No trial of cough from colds, bronchitis or other causes was found.
Form and dose studied
Traditionally a decoction or jam-like formulation; not tested for cough.
Who was studied
Not studied apart from asthma.
Limits
Abstracts only; tradition is not evidence of benefit.
Why researchers looked
Cough is one of the three classic Ayurvedic uses of Kantakari Avaleha.
Traditional use
The 2022 trial background states Kantakari Avaleha is primarily recommended for Shwasa (asthma), Kasa (cough) and Hikka (hiccup).
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
A cough that lasts more than a few weeks, brings up blood, or comes with fever or weight loss needs a doctor.
Chronic sinusitis (multi-herb decoction)
Very low certaintyA Sri Lankan five-herb decoction that includes Kantakari was compared with a placebo in 80 people with chronic sinusitis and reported symptom relief. Because it contained five herbs, it cannot show what Kantakari alone does.
1 studiesA water decoction of five herbs; amounts not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Ediriweera 2010 (p22131686) randomised 80 people with chronic sinusitis to a decoction of Solanum xanthocarpum, cumin, Nigella sativa, Picrorhiza kurroa and Saussurea lappa or to a placebo for 21 days. The authors report partial or complete symptom relief and a lower blood eosinophil count in the treated group. The abstract gives no numbers.
Results
Described by the authors as symptom relief and lower eosinophils; no figures in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Five-herb product; the abstract gives no numbers; single small trial.
Form and dose studied
A water decoction of five herbs; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
Adults with chronic sinusitis in Sri Lanka.
Limits
Abstract only; combination product so no effect can be assigned to Kantakari.
Why researchers looked
A traditional Sri Lankan decoction for sinus problems includes Kantakari.
Traditional use
The decoction is described in a Sri Lankan traditional medicine book; the trial changed one ingredient on a traditional physician's advice.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Sinus infection with high fever, swelling around the eyes or severe headache needs medical care.
Blood sugar (lab and animal only)
Not enough evidenceLeaf extract lowered diabetes-related changes in rats and raised sugar uptake in muscle cells in a lab study. We found no human trial of Kantakari for blood sugar.
2 studiesAlcohol leaf extract in rats; not a product tested in people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Sridevi 2015 (p26834425) used an alcohol leaf extract of S. surattense in streptozotocin-diabetic rats and muscle cells. No human study was found.
Results
Rat and cell results only.
Effect sizes as reported
None for people.
Why this rating
Animal and cell work only; no human trial.
Form and dose studied
Alcohol leaf extract in rats; not a product tested in people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstract only; leaf extract, not fruit; animal results often do not carry over.
Why researchers looked
Lab teams test many Solanum extracts for blood-sugar effects.
Traditional use
The 2024 review lists antioxidant and other activities; antidiabetic use is not among the top traditional uses it reports.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
In rat muscle cells the extract increased glucose uptake and GLUT-4 messenger RNA. Cell and animal work only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
If you take diabetes medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist before adding Kantakari; extra lowering of blood sugar is a theory, not a tested interaction.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (lab only)
Not enough evidenceExtracts of Kantakari show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in test-tube and animal studies. No human trial measured this.
1 studiesWater-ethanol extracts in the lab; not tested in people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2024 review (p39065797) lists antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from in vitro and in vivo studies of extracts and of 51 tested compounds.
Results
Lab and animal results only.
Effect sizes as reported
None for people.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only.
Form and dose studied
Water-ethanol extracts in the lab; not tested in people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstract only.
Why researchers looked
Lab studies of the plant's many compounds.
Traditional use
Fruit and whole plant are traditional parts; decoction is the commonest preparation.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Terpenoids, phenols and steroidal alkaloids are the compounds reported as most active in lab tests.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab.
Skin problems, piles and toothache (traditional)
Not enough evidenceThe 2024 review says Kantakari is traditionally used for skin diseases, piles and toothache. We found no human trial for these uses.
1 studiesDecoction (traditional); not tested.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2024 review (p39065797) reports these uses from ethnomedicine surveys. It does not report human trials for them.
Results
No result.
Effect sizes as reported
None.
Why this rating
Tradition only.
Form and dose studied
Decoction (traditional); not tested.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstract only.
Why researchers looked
These are the commonest traditional uses recorded in the literature.
Traditional use
Fruit and whole plant, usually as a decoction.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use on open wounds or skin without advice; safety on skin was not studied.
Antimicrobial, liver-protective and anti-tumour effects (lab and animal only)
Not enough evidenceExtracts were active against microbes, protected the liver and slowed tumour cells in lab and animal studies. None of this has been shown in people, and Kantakari should not be used to treat infections or cancer.
2 studiesNot tested in people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2024 review (p39065797) lists antimicrobial, anti-tumour, hepatoprotective and larvicidal activity in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, a mouse study of isolated solasodine (p12453729) found raised liver weight, so lab liver findings point both ways.
Results
Lab and animal results only.
Effect sizes as reported
None for people.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only; findings on the liver are mixed.
Form and dose studied
Not tested in people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only.
Why researchers looked
Frequently reported in lab papers.
Traditional use
Not a traditional claim for these uses in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Laboratory activity of extracts and isolated compounds (including solamargine and solasonine).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use in place of antibiotics or cancer treatment.
Connections to the rest of health
How Kantakari connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breathing Support | Traditional use | Very low certainty | Asthma symptoms: Kantakari is best known in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine as a herb for asthma and breathlessness. Two short pilot studies of the whole-plant powder and one open-label trial of an Ayurvedic jam-like formulation reported better breathing scores. None had a placebo group, and the formulation had several ingredients. The evidence is weak and does not replace asthma medicines. Cough and chest congestion (traditional): In Ayurveda, Kantakari preparations are recommended for cough, hiccup and breathlessness. We found no controlled trial that tested Kantakari alone for cough. The only cough-related result is a symptom score inside the asthma studies. | 4 5 9 7 |
| Lung Support | Traditional use | Very low certainty | Asthma symptoms: Kantakari is best known in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine as a herb for asthma and breathlessness. Two short pilot studies of the whole-plant powder and one open-label trial of an Ayurvedic jam-like formulation reported better breathing scores. None had a placebo group, and the formulation had several ingredients. The evidence is weak and does not replace asthma medicines. Cough and chest congestion (traditional): In Ayurveda, Kantakari preparations are recommended for cough, hiccup and breathlessness. We found no controlled trial that tested Kantakari alone for cough. The only cough-related result is a symptom score inside the asthma studies. | 4 5 9 7 |
| Lung Support | Very low certainty | Chronic sinusitis (multi-herb decoction): A Sri Lankan five-herb decoction that includes Kantakari was compared with a placebo in 80 people with chronic sinusitis and reported symptom relief. Because it contained five herbs, it cannot show what Kantakari alone does. | 1 | |
| Immune Support | Very low certainty | Chronic sinusitis (multi-herb decoction): A Sri Lankan five-herb decoction that includes Kantakari was compared with a placebo in 80 people with chronic sinusitis and reported symptom relief. Because it contained five herbs, it cannot show what Kantakari alone does. | 1 | |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Not enough evidence | Blood sugar (lab and animal only): Leaf extract lowered diabetes-related changes in rats and raised sugar uptake in muscle cells in a lab study. We found no human trial of Kantakari for blood sugar. | 11 7 | |
| Inflammation Balance | Not enough evidence | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (lab only): Extracts of Kantakari show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in test-tube and animal studies. No human trial measured this. | 7 | |
| Cellular Protection | Not enough evidence | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (lab only): Extracts of Kantakari show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in test-tube and animal studies. No human trial measured this. | 7 | |
| Healthy Skin | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Skin problems, piles and toothache (traditional): The 2024 review says Kantakari is traditionally used for skin diseases, piles and toothache. We found no human trial for these uses. | 7 |
| Digestive Support | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Skin problems, piles and toothache (traditional): The 2024 review says Kantakari is traditionally used for skin diseases, piles and toothache. We found no human trial for these uses. | 7 |
| Immune Support | Not enough evidence | Antimicrobial, liver-protective and anti-tumour effects (lab and animal only): Extracts were active against microbes, protected the liver and slowed tumour cells in lab and animal studies. None of this has been shown in people, and Kantakari should not be used to treat infections or cancer. | 7 3 | |
| Liver Support | Not enough evidence | Antimicrobial, liver-protective and anti-tumour effects (lab and animal only): Extracts were active against microbes, protected the liver and slowed tumour cells in lab and animal studies. None of this has been shown in people, and Kantakari should not be used to treat infections or cancer. | 7 3 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Asthma symptoms Studied for: Cough and chest congestion (traditional) | 4 5 9 7 1 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Blood sugar (lab and animal only) | 11 7 |
| Pain Inflammation | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (lab only) | 7 |
| Integumentary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Skin problems, piles and toothache (traditional) | 7 |
| Hepatic System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Antimicrobial, liver-protective and anti-tumour effects (lab and animal only) | 7 3 |
D. Symptoms
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Contraindication | Not enough evidence | Fetal effects in mice and hamsters; human data absent. Animal studies with solasodine and related Solanum fruit; human data absent. Preparation or compound: Solasodine and solasodine-rich Solanum fruit (animals) |
3 8 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Small pilot trials without placebo; less effective than salbutamol. Small pilots and an open-label trial without placebo; less effective than salbutamol. Preparation or compound: Whole-plant powder or Kantakari Avaleha |
4 5 9 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLUT4 (SLC2A4) | Preliminary mechanism | Cell | Increased in rat muscle cells exposed to a leaf extract (lab only). | 11 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solasodine | Biological association | Animal | Raised liver weight and lowered fetal weight in mice; acted against male hormones in dogs (isolated from Kantakari berries). Lab and animal findings only. Preparation or compound: berries |
3 6 18 |
| Solamargine | Biological association | Human poisoning (other species) and lab | Named as a highly active compound in the 2024 review; found in toxic susumber berries in a poisoning outbreak (other species). Preparation or compound: not stated |
7 10 17 |
| Solasonine | Biological association | Human poisoning (other species) and lab | Named as a highly active compound in the 2024 review; found in toxic susumber berries (other species). Preparation or compound: not stated |
7 10 19 |
| Triterpenoids and other compounds (lupeol, dioscin, stigmasterol, xanthosaponins, solanidine, tomatidine) | Biological association | Lab | The review counts 338 compounds in all, mainly terpenoids (137), phenol derivatives (56) and lipids (52). CIDs not looked up. Preparation or compound: not stated |
7 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Kantakari. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and checked GBIF, PubChem and the NCCIH, EMA and LiverTox sites for Kantakari. Most sources were abstracts only. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 19
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ediriweera 2010 Efficacy of Sri Lankan Traditional Decoction of Katuwelbatu Deduru Katukadi in treatment of Kaphaja Shira Shula (Chronic Sinusitis). Ayu · PMID 22131686 · DOI |
Rct placebo multi herb |
80 80 people with chronic sinusitis (Sri Lanka) |
Five-herb decoction containing Solanum xanthocarpum with cumin, Nigella sativa, Picrorhiza kurroa and Saussurea lappa, versus placebo S. xanthocarpum (part not stated) plus other herbs not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Treated people had partial or complete symptom relief and a lower eosinophil count compared with the placebo group, according to the authors. The abstract gives no numbers. Not quantified in abstract. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptom relief, blood eosinophil count, sinus X-ray, white cell count Limitations: Multi-herb product: the effect cannot be put down to Kantakari. No numbers in the abstract; the authors substituted one ingredient on a traditional physician's advice. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Figueira 2026 Glycoalkaloids in potatoes: exploring health effects, analytical techniques, occurrence, mitigation measures. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 41106768 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Potato glycoalkaloid literature | Potato glycoalkaloids potato not extracted not extracted · vs none |
States that glycoalkaloids are primarily known for toxicity and adverse effects on human health, can become toxic above a certain level, and have also shown some possible health benefits. None in abstract. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Toxic and possible beneficial effects of glycoalkaloids Limitations: Potato-focused, abstract only; says nothing specific about Kantakari. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract |
| Friedman 2003 Effect of feeding solanidine, solasodine and tomatidine to non-pregnant and pregnant mice. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 12453729 · DOI |
Animal study animal |
Non-pregnant and pregnant mice, fed for 14 days | Solasodine (purified aglycone) in the diet, compared with solanidine, tomatidine and controls isolated compound (not plant) not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Solasodine raised liver weight relative to body weight (about 17% in non-pregnant and 33% in pregnant mice). In pregnant mice it reduced body weight gain, litter weight and average fetus weight (about 11% lower) versus controls. Abortion occurred only with solanidine in this study, not with solasodine. Liver weight up and fetal weight down with solasodine (mice). (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver weight, weight gain, litter and fetus weights, abortion Limitations: Mouse study of an isolated compound at one dietary level, not whole Kantakari, and not in people. Abstract only. Funding and conflicts: USDA researchers; not read further Read: abstract |
| Govindan 1999 A pilot study on the clinical efficacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthma. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 10433479 · DOI |
Pilot trial |
People with mild to moderate bronchial asthma (India); sample size not in abstract | Whole-plant powder of S. xanthocarpum or S. trilobatum (a different species), compared with salbutamol and deriphylline whole plant not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Both herbs significantly improved several lung-function measures, but the effect was less than that of the two standard bronchodilator drugs. No untoward effects were reported during the study. The authors call for more detailed studies. Improved lung function, smaller than salbutamol or deriphylline. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lung function (FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF25-75%) before and 2 hours after a single oral administration Limitations: Single administration, short follow-up, pilot, no placebo mentioned in the abstract, sample size not in the abstract. S. trilobatum is a different species. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Govindan 2004 Further studies on the clinical efficacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthma. Phytother Res · PMID 15551394 · DOI |
Clinical trial comparative |
People with mild to moderate bronchial asthma (India); sample size not in abstract | Whole-plant S. xanthocarpum or S. trilobatum (a different species) for 3 days, compared with salbutamol and deriphylline whole plant not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Peak flow and symptom scores improved over 3 days. The response was described as equivalent to deriphylline but less than salbutamol. No untoward effects were reported. Similar to deriphylline, less than salbutamol (no numbers in abstract). (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Peak flow, chest signs, cough, breathlessness and sputum scores over 3 days Limitations: Only 3 days of treatment, sample size and blinding not in the abstract, same research group as the 1999 pilot, no placebo mentioned. S. trilobatum is a different species. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Gupta 2002 Effects of short-term treatment of solasodine on cauda epididymis in dogs. Indian J Exp Biol · PMID 12622179 |
Animal study animal |
Male dogs, 30 days | Solasodine isolated from berries of Solanum xanthocarpum, by mouth berries (isolated compound) not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Solasodine made the epididymal cells atrophic and the tubes empty of sperm, and the authors conclude it has anti-androgen (anti-male-hormone) activity. Tissue changes in treated dogs. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Structure of the cauda epididymis (sperm storage tissue) Limitations: Dog study with an isolated compound at a high dose; not whole berries, not people. Abstract only (no DOI listed). Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Hasan 2024 Ethnomedicinal Usage, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Solanum surattense Burm. f. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) · PMID 39065797 · DOI |
Systematic review mixed |
Published literature 1753 to 2023 (traditional use, chemistry, lab, animal and some human studies) | Solanum surattense extracts and isolated compounds fruit (25% of uses), whole plant (22%), other parts not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Traditionally used for skin diseases, piles and toothache; fruit and whole plant are the most used parts and decoction is the commonest preparation. 338 compounds were isolated, mainly terpenoids (137), phenol derivatives (56) and lipids (52). Mixtures of parts in water-ethanol showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumour, liver-protective and larvicidal activity in vitro or in vivo. The authors state that human trials of whole-plant extract showed anti-asthma efficacy. Steroidal alkaloids and triterpenoids (solamargine, solanidine, solasodine, solasonine, tomatidine, dioscin, lupeol) were the most active compounds. No effect sizes in the abstract. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Distribution, traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology Limitations: Abstract only. Reviews lab findings that cannot show benefit in people; the abstract has no safety or toxicity statement. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract |
| Keeler 1990 Spirosolane-containing Solanum species and induction of congenital craniofacial malformations. Toxicon · PMID 2080514 · DOI |
Animal study animal |
Pregnant hamsters | Fruit of four Solanum species rich in solasodine glycosides (silverleaf, bittersweet, hairy nightshade, eggplant) and potato sprouts, at high oral doses fruit (other Solanum species, not Kantakari) not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Silverleaf nightshade and bittersweet fruit caused significantly more deformed litters (about 20% and 16% versus 3% in controls); hairy nightshade and eggplant fruit were higher than controls but not significantly. Solasodine was the main aglycone in these species. Potato sprouts also caused malformations. Deformed litters up to about 20% (hamsters). (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Malformed litters Limitations: Hamster study at high doses of other Solanum species, not Kantakari. Abstract only. Funding and conflicts: US government laboratory; not read further Read: abstract |
| Senarthne URSRK 2022 Efficacy of Kantakari Avaleha and its modified dosage form of Kantakari Avaleha granules in the management of bronchial asthma - An open-label randomized controlled clinical trial. Ayu · PMID 38075186 · DOI |
Rct open label |
69 69 people with mild to moderate bronchial asthma (India) |
Kantakari Avaleha (jam-like multi-ingredient Ayurvedic formulation) versus Kantakari Avaleha granules not stated in abstract (formulation, not single herb) not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Both groups improved on the asthma control scores and number of asthma episodes (described as highly significant). The two forms did not differ significantly. There was no placebo or standard-treatment group. The abstract reports no numbers for the liver and kidney tests and no statement on side effects. Within-group improvement only; no between-group difference. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Asthma scores (GINA, ACQ, ACT), breathing rate, breath-holding time, peak flow, blood, liver, kidney and urine tests Limitations: Open-label, no placebo or usual-care comparison, multi-ingredient product, abstract only. The abstract does not say how the formulation was standardised. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract |
| Smith 2008 Solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids and poisoning by Solanum torvum, the normally edible susumber berry. Toxicon · PMID 18725244 · DOI |
Case series |
11 Two outbreaks (5 people in New York, 6 in Toronto) after eating Jamaican susumber berries |
Solanum torvum berries (a different species) containing solasonine, solamargine and other steroidal glycoalkaloids berries (other Solanum species) not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Stomach and gut upset, dizziness, slurred speech, weakness, facial paralysis, unsteadiness and high blood pressure; the most seriously ill needed a breathing machine for a long time and two Toronto patients had breathing failure. The toxic berries contained solasonine and larger amounts of solamargine. Case series, no rates. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptoms after eating the berries Limitations: Different Solanum species (not Kantakari); shows what steroidal glycoalkaloids can do, not what Kantakari does. Abstract only. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Sridevi 2015 Effect of Solanum surattense on mitochondrial enzymes in diabetic rats and in vitro glucose uptake activity in L6 myotubes. J Ayurveda Integr Med · PMID 26834425 · DOI |
Animal study animal |
Diabetic rats (streptozotocin) and rat muscle cells | Alcoholic leaf extract of S. surattense leaf not extracted not extracted · vs none |
In diabetic rats the extract moved the measured enzyme and antioxidant changes back toward normal and improved tissue appearance. In muscle cells it increased glucose uptake (115% at 1 ng/mL) and GLUT-4 messenger RNA. The authors conclude it supports an anti-diabetic nature. Rat and cell results only. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mitochondrial enzymes, antioxidants, tissue changes, glucose uptake in cells Limitations: Animal and cell study of a leaf extract; no human glucose data. Abstract only. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Wang 2024 Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia caused by solanine: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 39331873 · DOI |
Case report |
1 One 43-year-old man (China) |
Sprouted potatoes (solanine); not Kantakari potato not extracted not extracted · vs none |
He developed cough and chest tightness after eating sprouted potatoes, was diagnosed with organizing pneumonia judged to be linked to solanine, improved on steroid and oxygen treatment and was discharged on day 10. One case. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lung illness after eating sprouted potatoes Limitations: A single case, a different plant, and cause is a clinical judgement. Abstract only. Funding and conflicts: No funding or conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| s-gbif-surattense GBIF Backbone: Solanum surattense Burm.fil. (usageKey 2929929) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-virginianum GBIF Backbone: Solanum virginianum L. (usageKey 2929920) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-xanthocarpum GBIF species search: Solanum xanthocarpum · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-livertox-blocked NCBI LiverTox / Bookshelf search for Solanum xanthocarpum · Source |
Regulator lookup n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: not-found | ||
| s-pubchem-solamargine PubChem: Solamargine (CID 73611) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-pubchem-solasodine PubChem: Solasodine (CID 442985) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-pubchem-solasonine PubChem: Solasonine (CID 119247) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No placebo-controlled trial of Kantakari alone for asthma or cough was found.
- Only abstracts were read; the full papers were not.
- Safety in people is unknown; the pregnancy and hormone signals come from animal studies.
- No interaction studies with diabetes, blood pressure, hormone or asthma medicines.
- NCCIH, EMA/HMPC and LiverTox pages were not found or could not be read; LactMed and WHO were not checked.
- Native range, plant-part toxicity and NCBI taxonomy were not verified.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- A nightshade-family plant with natural toxins. Kantakari belongs to the Solanum (nightshade) genus, whose plants make steroidal glycoalkaloids such as solasonine and solamargine. The 2024 review names these as the plant's main active compounds. In people, these compounds from another species, the usually edible susumber berry (Solanum torvum), caused stomach and gut upset, dizziness, slurred speech, weakness, high blood pressure and, in the worst cases, breathing failure in two outbreaks of 11 people. A potato-focused 2026 review says glycoalkaloids are mainly known for toxicity. No poisoning from Kantakari was found by us, and no safe amount has been set. Case series 10 2 7
- Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. No study in pregnant women was found. In pregnant mice, purified solasodine (a compound found in Kantakari berries) lowered fetal weight and weight gain. In hamsters, high oral doses of the fruit of other solasodine-rich Solanum species caused malformed litters. These are animal findings with isolated compounds or other species, so we cannot say what Kantakari does in women, but they are a reason to avoid it. We found no breastfeeding source. Animal study 3 8
- Possible effect on male hormones (animal). Solasodine from Kantakari berries damaged sperm-storage tissue in dogs and the authors describe it as anti-androgenic (working against male hormones). This is one old animal study of an isolated compound. Whether Kantakari does this in people is unknown. Be cautious if you have a hormone-sensitive condition or are trying to conceive. Animal study 6
- Not a replacement for asthma medicines. In two small pilot studies, Kantakari powder improved lung function less than the standard bronchodilator salbutamol. Do not stop or delay prescribed asthma treatment. Human trial 4 5
- Little human safety data. The human studies we read were short and small, and their abstracts either say no untoward effects were reported (the two pilots) or say nothing about side effects (the 2022 trial and the 2024 review). Absence of reports is not proof of safety. Narrative review 4 5 9 7
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| No untoward effects reported in two short pilot studies One dose and three days of use respectively; the abstracts give no numbers. This says little about longer use. | Not established | none reported not applicable | Human trial 4 5 |
| Stomach and gut upset, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness (possible, from related plants) Seen with steroidal glycoalkaloids from other plants (susumber berries; sprouted potato), not with Kantakari. A theory for Kantakari, not an observed rate. | Not established | serious in the worst cases (other species) not stated in abstract | Case series 10 12 |
| Raised liver weight (mice, isolated solasodine) Mouse feeding study of a purified compound; not shown in people. | About 17% to 33% higher liver-to-body weight in mice | unknown in people not reported in the abstract | Animal study 3 |
Liver
No case report of liver injury from Kantakari and no LiverTox entry were found (the LiverTox search page was blocked by a bot check and was not read). Animal studies report liver-protective effects of extracts, but purified solasodine raised liver weight in mice, so the animal picture is mixed. The 2022 asthma trial measured liver and kidney tests, but its abstract gives no results. 3 9 7 16
How often. Unknown.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Kantakari supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 4
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma medicines (reliever inhalers, bronchodilators, steroids) prescription | Not studied together. In pilot studies the herb was compared with salbutamol and deriphylline and worked less well than salbutamol. | No interaction data. The risk is mainly that someone relies on the herb instead of their medicine. | Human trial Not enough evidence 4 5 | Keep using prescribed asthma treatment; tell your doctor about any herbal product. |
| Diabetes medicines (including insulin) prescription | Theory only: a leaf extract raised sugar uptake in rat muscle cells and eased diabetic changes in rats. | No human study. Extra blood-sugar lowering is possible in theory. | Animal study Not enough evidence 11 | Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining, and check blood sugar more often if you do. |
| Blood pressure medicines prescription | No effect on blood pressure was found for Kantakari in the sources read. High blood pressure was reported after poisoning with glycoalkaloids from another Solanum species. | Unknown; no data either way. | Theory Not enough evidence 10 | Tell your prescriber if you use it and watch your readings. |
| Hormone therapies and anti-hormone treatments prescription | Theory: solasodine acted against male hormones in dogs and has a steroid-like structure. | Unknown in people. | Animal study Not enough evidence 6 18 | Ask your doctor first, especially for hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding | Avoid. Animal studies with solasodine and solasodine-rich Solanum fruit show effects on fetuses and fertility; human safety is unknown. | Animal study 3 8 6 |
| Hormone-sensitive conditions (for example some breast, prostate or uterine conditions) or fertility treatment | Ask your doctor first; one dog study found solasodine acts against male hormones. | Animal study 6 |
| Children | No safety data were found; ask a paediatrician. The 1999 and 2004 pilot abstracts do not give ages. | Gap 4 5 |
| Diabetes, low blood pressure or stomach and gut illness | Ask a doctor or pharmacist first; effects are untested. | Theory 11 10 |
| Scheduled surgery | Tell the surgical team about any Kantakari product. No source we read covers this. | Gap |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No formal toxicity limits for Kantakari were found. Steroidal glycoalkaloids from related Solanum plants poisoned people in two outbreaks, and purified solasodine affected pregnant mice and male dogs.
Animal. Mice fed solasodine for 14 days: higher liver weight, lower fetal weight. Hamsters fed fruit of solasodine-rich Solanum species at high doses: more malformed litters. Dogs given solasodine from Kantakari berries: atrophy of sperm-storage tissue.
Human doses studied. Not given here.
High dose or long term signals. Unknown for Kantakari in people.
Overdose response. No Kantakari overdose case was found. With susumber berries (another species) people had gut, nerve and breathing problems.
Genotoxicity. Not found.
Toxic plant parts. Glycoalkaloid content can vary by plant part, ripeness and growing conditions; in the susumber outbreaks the poisonous berries looked the same as safe ones. We found no source ranking the parts of Kantakari (fruit, root, whole plant) by toxicity.
No contamination or adulteration report for Kantakari products was found.
Species mix-ups. The accepted name is Solanum virginianum; Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. and Solanum surattense are synonyms (GBIF). A different 'Solanum xanthocarpum Domin' is a synonym of S. esuriale. Two of the pilot studies also tested Solanum trilobatum, a separate plant, and the poisoning reports involve Solanum torvum. Results from one species should not be assumed for another. 14 15 13 4 10
Variable toxin content. Glycoalkaloid content differs between plants and conditions, so two products with the same name can differ. 2 10
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|
When to get medical help
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea, dizziness, slurred speech, weakness or trouble walking after using or eating any part of the plant
- Trouble breathing, or an asthma attack that your reliever does not settle
- Swelling of the face or throat, or hives (allergic reaction)
- Vaginal bleeding or pregnancy-loss symptoms while using it
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kantakari help asthma?
Is Kantakari the same as Solanum xanthocarpum?
Is Kantakari poisonous?
Is Kantakari safe in pregnancy?
Can it affect hormones or fertility?
One dog study found solasodine from Kantakari berries damaged sperm-storage tissue and acted against male hormones. This was an isolated compound at a high dose. If you have a hormone-sensitive condition or are trying to conceive, ask your doctor first.
Can I take Kantakari with diabetes medicines?
Ask a pharmacist first. A leaf extract lowered diabetic changes in rats, so extra blood-sugar lowering is possible in theory, but no human study exists.
Can I take it with blood pressure medicines?
No blood pressure data for Kantakari were found. High blood pressure was seen after poisoning with glycoalkaloids from another Solanum berry. Tell your prescriber if you use it.
Can I use it instead of my asthma inhaler?
Does it cause stomach upset?
Is it bad for the liver?
What is Kantakari Avaleha?
It is a jam-like Ayurvedic formulation with Kantakari and other ingredients, used traditionally for asthma-like breathlessness, cough and hiccup. A 2022 trial tested it and a granule form in 69 people with asthma.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We searched PubMed and checked GBIF, PubChem and the NCCIH, EMA and LiverTox sites for Kantakari. Most sources were abstracts only. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.
Sources 19
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Ediriweera ER, Rathnayaka RL, Premakeerthi WM, Weerasinghe KD. Efficacy of Sri Lankan Traditional Decoction of Katuwelbatu Deduru Katukadi in treatment of Kaphaja Shira Shula (Chronic Sinusitis).. Ayu. 2010. PMID 22131686. DOI 10.4103/0974-8520.68208. (abstract)
- Figueira JG, Barros SC, Valero-Cases E, Silva AS. Glycoalkaloids in potatoes: exploring health effects, analytical techniques, occurrence, mitigation measures.. Food Chem Toxicol. 2026. PMID 41106768. DOI 10.1016/j.fct.2025.115807. (abstract)
- Friedman M, Henika PR, Mackey BE. Effect of feeding solanidine, solasodine and tomatidine to non-pregnant and pregnant mice.. Food Chem Toxicol. 2003. PMID 12453729. DOI 10.1016/s0278-6915(02)00205-3. (abstract)
- Govindan S, Viswanathan S, Vijayasekaran V, Alagappan R. A pilot study on the clinical efficacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthma.. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999. PMID 10433479. DOI 10.1016/s0378-8741(98)00160-3. (abstract)
- Govindan S, Viswanathan S, Vijayasekaran V, Alagappan R. Further studies on the clinical efficacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthma.. Phytother Res. 2004. PMID 15551394. DOI 10.1002/ptr.1555. (abstract)
- Gupta RS, Dixit VP. Effects of short-term treatment of solasodine on cauda epididymis in dogs.. Indian J Exp Biol. 2002. PMID 12622179. (abstract)
- Hasan K, Sabiha S, Islam N, Pinto JF, Silva O. Ethnomedicinal Usage, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Solanum surattense Burm. f.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024. PMID 39065797. DOI 10.3390/ph17070948. (abstract)
- Keeler RF, Baker DC, Gaffield W. Spirosolane-containing Solanum species and induction of congenital craniofacial malformations.. Toxicon. 1990. PMID 2080514. DOI 10.1016/0041-0101(90)90017-2. (abstract)
- Senarthne URSRK, Goyal M, Patgiri B. Efficacy of Kantakari Avaleha and its modified dosage form of Kantakari Avaleha granules in the management of bronchial asthma - An open-label randomized controlled clinical trial.. Ayu. 2022. PMID 38075186. DOI 10.4103/ayu.AYU_311_20. (abstract)
- Smith SW, Giesbrecht E, Thompson M, Nelson LS, Hoffman RS. Solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids and poisoning by Solanum torvum, the normally edible susumber berry.. Toxicon. 2008. PMID 18725244. DOI 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.07.016. (abstract)
- Sridevi M, Kalaiarasi P, Pugalendi KV. Effect of Solanum surattense on mitochondrial enzymes in diabetic rats and in vitro glucose uptake activity in L6 myotubes.. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015. PMID 26834425. DOI 10.4103/0975-9476.146547. (abstract)
- Wang L, Zhang L, Ying C, Jin X, Ying M, Chen H, Zhu D. Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia caused by solanine: A case report.. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024. PMID 39331873. DOI 10.1097/MD.0000000000039807. (abstract)
- . GBIF Backbone: Solanum surattense Burm.fil. (usageKey 2929929). . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Solanum virginianum L. (usageKey 2929920). . . (full-text)
- . GBIF species search: Solanum xanthocarpum. . . (full-text)
- . NCBI LiverTox / Bookshelf search for Solanum xanthocarpum. . . (not-found)
- . PubChem: Solamargine (CID 73611). . . (full-text)
- . PubChem: Solasodine (CID 442985). . . (full-text)
- . PubChem: Solasonine (CID 119247). . . (full-text)