Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum)

Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum) is a spiny, perennial herb or small shrub found in dry plains, often used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine. It is one of the Dashamoola (ten roots) herbs in Ayurveda and is traditionally known for its efficacy in treating respiratory ailments, urinary disorders, fever, and inflammatory conditions. The entire plant, including fruits, roots, and seeds, is considered medicinal.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species: Solanum xanthocarpum

Common Names

English: Yellow-berried Nightshade, Kantkari
Sanskrit: Kantkari, Brihati
Hindi: Kantakari, Bhatkataiya
Gujarati: Kantoli
Tamil: Kandankattiri
Telugu: Nelatigeru
Marathi: Ringani

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Respiratory Disorders - Used in treating asthma, cough, bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis, Acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator.

Urinary Tract and Kidney Health - Traditionally used for urinary retention, dysuria, and kidney stones.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic - Reduces joint inflammation, pain, and swelling in conditions like arthritis and gout.

Antimicrobial Action - Effective against bacterial and fungal infections, Helps in managing skin diseases, wounds, and ulcers.

Digestive and Liver Support - Aids in digestion, relieves gas and colic, Used in hepatoprotective formulations.

Phytochemical Constituents

Kantkari contains a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds that impart its medicinal value:

Alkaloids: Solasodine, Solanine, Solamargine, Tomatidine
Flavonoids: Rutin, Quercetin
Saponins: Steroidal saponins
Glycosides: Solasodine glycosides
Phenolic Compounds: Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid
Triterpenes: Lupeol
Essential Oils: Carvone, Camphene

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. I, Govt. of India.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1. Popular Prakashan.

Sharma, P.V. (1996). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Materia Medica – Vegetable Drugs). Chaukhamba Bharati Academy.

Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C. (1995). Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species, Vol. 5. Orient Longman.

Meena, A.K., et al. (2010). “Medicinal uses of Solanum xanthocarpum – A review.” Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2(4): 403–407.

Patil, M.V., Patil, D.A. (2007). “Ethnomedicinal Plants of Nasik District, Maharashtra.” Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 11: 1–5.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

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