Solanum dulcamara

Solanum dulcamara, also known as bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, bitter nightshade, blue bindweed, Amara Dulcis,^[2] climbing nightshade, fellenwort, felonwood, poisonberry, poisonflower, scarlet berry, snakeberry,^[3][4][5] trailing bittersweet, trailing nightshade, violet bloom, or woody nightshade, is a species of vine in the potato genus Solanum, family Solanaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and widely naturalised elsewhere, including North America, where it is an invasive problem weed.

Overview

It occurs in a very wide range of habitats, from woodlands to scrubland, hedges and marshes. It is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region and was first spotted in 1843.^[6] Bittersweet is a semi-woody herbaceous perennial vine, which scrambles over other plants, capable of reaching a height of 4 m where suitable support is available, but more often 1–2 meters high. The leaves are 4–12 cm long, roughly arrowhead-shaped, and often lobed at the base. The flowers are in loose clusters of 3–20, 1–1.5 cm across, star-shaped, with five purple petals and yellow stamens and style pointing forward. The fruit is an ovoid red berry about 1 cm long, soft and juicy, and edible for birds, which disperse the seeds widely. The plant can become very common even in its area of origin, because it is very tough. Being a kind of warm plant, support areas including frost and wind.

The fruit is a bay red ovoid with the aspect and odour of a tiny tomato. The bay is poisonous to humans and livestock but edible for birds that disperse their seeds. The bay attractive and familiar look make it dangerous for children. The foliage is also poisonous to humans. It is native to northern Africa, Europe and Asia, spreading throughout the world. The plant is relatively important in the diet of some species of birds such as European thrushes that feed on its fruits, which are immune, scattering the seeds. It grows in all types of terrain with a preference for wetlands and the understory of riparian forests. Along with other climbers creates a dark and impenetrable shelter for varied animals. The plant grows well in dark areas in places where receive the light of morning or afternoon. An area receiving bright light for many hours reduces their development. It grows more easily in rich wet soils with plenty of nitrogen.

Biological activity

Bittersweet is used in naturopathy and herbalism. Its main usage is for conditions that have an impact on the skin, mucous membrane and the membrane (synovial membrane) around the joints. Bittersweet is considered by some to be a herbal remedy for treating herpes and allergies.The stems are approved by the German Commission E for external use as supportive therapy in chronic eczema.^[7]

The alkaloids, solanine (from unripe fruits), solasodine (from flowers) and beta-solamarine (from roots)inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus.^[8] Solanine and solasodine extracted from Solanum dulcamara showed antidermatophytic activity against Chrysosporium indicum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. simil. and thus may cure ringworm.^[9]

Although fatal human poisonings are rare, several cases have been documented. The poison is believed to be solanine.^[10]Aggressive treatment of children ingesting limited amounts of ripened S. dulcamara berries appears to be unnecessary.^[11]

The name bittersweet is also used in some areas for some species in the genus Celastrus (elsewhere referred to as the staff vines, family Celastraceae), e.g. American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) and oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).

References