Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Solanum aculeastrum

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If in doubt, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Toxic plant: the fruit contains steroidal alkaloids (solasonine, solamargine) that can cause severe digestive and neurological disorders if ingested. Internal use is strongly discouraged without supervision by a qualified professional with precise knowledge of this species. Must be kept strictly out of reach of children and domestic animals; cases of livestock poisoning are documented. Never use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, due to lack of safety data and known toxic risk.

Compress — Fruit (pulp)

Traditional external preparation from fruit

The pulp of the ripe fruit was traditionally crushed then applied locally, in a thin layer, on the affected area of skin. This external application remains reserved for occasional and supervised uses, as the plant is otherwise toxic. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction — Dried fruit

Traditional decoction for external use only

The dried and cut fruit was sometimes decocted in water to obtain a preparation intended for external use (local baths, washes). This preparation must under no circumstances be ingested and its preparation requires the advice of a professional familiar with the plant. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Solanum aculeastrum grows wild in the savannas and wooded edges of southern and eastern Africa; it is not widely cultivated and is rarely found in Western herbalist shops, where its sale remains marginal and regulated.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The fruits are traditionally harvested at maturity, when they turn yellow, generally at the end of the dry season depending on the regions of southern Africa.

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