The Black nightshade is a fairly common plant a member of the Solanaceae family, found in many wooded areas, as well as disturbed habitats. It rarely grows more than a foot or so in height and is much branched, generally making a bushy-looking mass. The Active ingredient is Solania, discovered in 1821 by M. Desfosses. The Black Nightshade is an annual plant, common and generally distributed in the South of England, less abundant in the North and somewhat infrequent in Scotland. It is one of the most cosmopolitan of wild plants, extending almost over the whole globe.

The Black Nightshade plant is effective in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. The plant is also credited with emollient, diuretic, antiseptic and laxative properties. The plant and its berries contain various alkaloids support a healthy liver, skin, kidneys and bladder. It is also shown to have a dilating effect on the pupil.

In ayurveda the black nightshade with other ingredients are used for heart disease. The berries of black nightshade plant could be eaten without danger. 1 or 2 grains of the dried leaves, infused in boiling water, act as a strong sudorific. A Small dosage of this is useful in cutaneous disorders. The black nightshade plant is used in gastritis treatments, enlargement of glands, inflammations of mucous membranes, herpes, and as a narcotic. The bruised leaves of the black nightshade plants used to treat burns, ulcers, skin diseases, scrofulous and cancerous affections. The juice of this plant is used for ringworm, gout and earache, and mixed with vinegar, is said to be good as a gargle and mouthwash.