The black nightshade (bot. Solanum nigrum) actually comes from southern Europe, but can now be found throughout Europe and many other parts of the world. The herb is considered poisonous to humans and animals. However, the toxicity is controversial.
Is black nightshade poisonous?
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is poisonous because it contains alkaloids and solanine, especially when immature. Symptoms of poisoning include drowsiness, anxiety, heart failure and shortness of breath. In the worst case, poisoning can be fatal.
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 poisonous 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 in the field between the fodder plants for livestock, then fruits and herbs can get into the fodder silage and, in the worst case, can be fatal. Death usually occurs due to 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 rubble sites, but also on field and roadsides. After flowering it develops small black fruits. These are about the size of peas. The seeds it contains remain viable in the soil for many years.
The most important things in brief:
- Toxicity is controversial, but consumption is not recommended
- contains alkaloids
- is usually considered poisonous to humans and animals, especially when immature
- was once used as a medicine
- is fatal if overdosed!
- Symptoms of poisoning: Drowsiness, red head, anxiety, heart failure, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, in the worst case, death from respiratory paralysis
Tip
Eating black nightshade is strongly discouraged, nor should it be planted in a family garden.
