Solanum torvum leaves

Solanum torvum

See also : Turkey Berry

Special Precautions of Solanum torvum leaves

Solanum torvum leaves are harmful at early stage of pregnancy (first trimester), but it is better to be cautious with it.

Herbal actions of Solanum torvum leaves

antihypertensive, haemostatic, anti-platelet aggregation, cardiovascular, sedative, digestive, antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, larvicidal, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, anticancer, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic.

Health Benefits and Uses of Solanum torvum leaves

Solanum torvum leaves are rich in essential minerals, iron (0.34%), magnesium (51.17%), zinc (1.32%), sodium (5.55%), potassium (49.62%), vitamins B6, B12 and C. It contain glycoalkaloids (0.0039%), derived from solasodine, solasonine (0.0043%) and solamargine (0.0028%), alkaloids, sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol and steroids, glycosides, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol), isoflavonoids (isoquercetin, torvanol A), tannins, saponins, aminoacids, 2- Hexadecen-OL,3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl, 9,12,15 octadecatrieonic acid, tetratriacontanic acid, triacontanol, elemene, steroidal lactone saponins, spirostanol glycosides, henriacontane, neochlorogenin, neosolaspigein and solaspigenine.

• The leaves are usually consumed in form of decoction or infusion, but alcoholic tinctures are also made, to treat conditions like : colds, coughs, asthma, fever, malaria, rheumatism, epileptic seizure, liver and spleen enlargment, gonorrhoea, thrush, gastralgia, gastric ulceration, dropsy, prostate disorders, wound infection, arterial hypertension, blood stasis, leukoderma, to improve lactation and convalescence, and are also used as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers or tooth decay.
• Turkey Berry Leaf contains powerful anti-inflammatory agent and natural steroids called soasoline, great for arthritis, lower back pain and swelling, and pain in general. Turkey Berries are very important for health since inflammation is the first step towards all diseases.
• Externaly leaf decoctions are used as a wash and for compress, on sores, pimples, scabies, bleedings, wounds, burns and rashes.
• Cubans apply the leaf juice on pimples. Pounded fresh leaves of S. torvum are also used as a poultice, aplied on cuts, wounds and injuries, and dried, powdered leaves are used as a styptic to stoop bleeding.
• Decoctions of leaves can be also used to bathe the body to cool the sore and itching. In Santa Lucia fresh leaves are rubbed on the foot to treat athlete's foot. Haitians massage crushed leaves and seeds to correct fever.
• In Papua New Guinea, juice is extracted from fire-heated leaves, then diluted with water and drunk for headaches and malaria.
• In Ghana a cupful of decoction from roots and leaves of Solanum torvum is drunk before meals for treatment of malaria.
• In India the leaf juice is used to reduce body heat, dried leaf powder is taken as a medicine for diabetes, leaf paste is used to bath a newborn baby in order to protect it from infections.
• Leaves and flowers of Solanum torvum are used to made syrup taken as a treatment for colds.
• In Ivory Coast, Anyi-Ndenye women use Solanum torvum leaves during 2-3 trimester (4-9 month) of pregnancy, in form of therapeutic meal . Although it is also noted to be used traditionaly as a abortifacient in South India - 3-5ml leaf extract is given orally for 5 days .
• Other scientific document, from Medical College in Tamil Nadu, states that S. torvum leaves are traditionally known to be useful for recuperation and rejuvenation during pregnancy .
• In India roots of closely related Solanum indicum are used to treat infertility in women. As these are the only informations aviable, about safety of use of this herb during pregnancy. You might assume that Solanum torvum leaves are only harmful at early stage of pregnancy (first trimester), but it is better to be cautious with it.