Health Benefits of Black Nightshade (Manathakkali | Solanum Nigrum)

Manathakkali vathal, also known as sun-dried black nightshade berries, is a popular ingredient in South Indian cuisine. Its distinctive flavour not only enhances the taste of dishes but also offers several potential health benefits. In this blog, we will delve into the various advantages associated with manathakkali vathal and explore how it can contribute to our overall well-being. So, let’s get started!

Heading 1: What is Manathakkali Vathal?

Heading 2 : Nutrient Content

Heading 3: Antioxidant Properties

Heading 4: Digestive Health Benefits

Heading 5: Anti-inflammatory Effects

Heading 6: Oral Health Benefits

Heading 7: Anti-CancerProperties

Heading 8 : Anti-Viral Properties

Heading 9 : Research of RGCB

Heading 10: Limitations and Precautions

Heading 11 : Delicious Food Using Manathakkali

What is Manathakkali Vathal?

The botanical name of manathakkali plant is Solanum Nigrum (It belongs to the family Solanaceae and genus Solanum). Manathakkali (மணத்தக்காளி) is the Tamil name and it is commonly called Black Night Shade in English. It is called Mani Thakkali in Malayalam, Kamanchi Chettu | Peddakasha Pandla Koora in Telugu, Kakki Soppu | Kage Soppu in Kannada and Makoi in Hindi.It’s native to tropical regions such as South India and Southeast Asia and is commonly consumed as a vegetable or used in traditional medicine.

In culinary use, manathakkali berries are often used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. They have a slightly bitter and tangy taste and are used in various dishes, such as curries, chutneys, pickles, and salads. The berries can be eaten both raw and cooked, depending on the desired flavour and texture. Manathakkali berries are also known for their potential health benefits. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly known for their high content of flavonoids and carotenoids, arotinoids, which are beneficial compounds that help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.

In traditional medicine, manathakkali berries are used to treat various ailments. They are believed to have digestive, diuretic, and laxative properties. They are also used to relieve stomach ulcers, treat mouth ulcers, and alleviate respiratory problems. However, it’s important to note that while manathakkali berries have been used in traditional medicine, scientific research on their medicinal properties is limited.

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Nutrient Content

Manathakkali vathal is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are important for overall health, immune function, and the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Nutrition’s and their values in 100 grams of Manathakkali or Black Nightshade.

NUTRITION	VALUE
Calories	68
Moisture	82.1%
Carbohydrates	8.9 grams
Minerals	2.1 grams
Fat	1 gram
Protein	5.9 grams
Calcium	410 mg
Phosphorus	70 mg
Vitamin C	11 mg
Niacin	0.9 mg
Riboflavin	0.59 mg

Beneficial properties of Manathakkali Vathal :

Antioxidant properties:

Manathakkali vathal is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Prevent from Insomnia:

Manathakkali vathal is a perfect medicine for spleen diseases also. The anti-bacterial properties of manathakkali vathal kill the bacteria in the body that causes illness and diseases. The plant works on your body to improve the immune system and fight with microorganisms. The herb plant strengthens spleen muscles and calms down the stomach ulcer. Black nightshade leaves, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, a pinch of salt with gingerly oil can reduce the body heat.

Digestive Health :

Manathakkali vathal is believed to have digestive benefits. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, constipation, and flatulence. The fibre content in the berries can help promote regular bowel movements and support a healthy digestive system.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

The berries contain certain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of manathakkali vathal may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease.

Oral Health Benefits :

In traditional medicine, manathakkali vathal is used to treat mouth ulcers and oral infections. The anti-bacterial and antifungal properties of the berries may help combat oral pathogens and promote oral health.

Anti-Cancer Properties:

Manathakkali has wonderful anti-cancer properties too. Recurrent cancers are mostly treated with chemotherapy but there are many herbs that prevent recurrent cancers and manathakkali is one of them. It inhibits the growth of many cancer cells including mouth cancer and breast cancer cells and you can read the study that proves it here.

Anti-Viral Properties:

Manathakkali has powerful anti-viral properties. Especially it is very effective against hepatitis C which is the major cause of liver problems including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It has been proven through study that methanol and chloroform extract is effective but we can also use the water extract too.

Research of RGCB

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noticed the potential of a compound isolated from the plant to treat liver cancer, thanks to the findings of a team of scientists at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB). It’s worth noting that while manathakkali vathal offers potential health benefits, scientific research specific to its dried form is limited. Also, individual responses may vary, and it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health concerns or conditions, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

According to RGCB Director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana, the research will prove to be a major breakthrough in treatment of liver diseases, including liver cancer. 

Manathakkali: RGCB director says findings path-breaking

“The findings are pathbreaking, given that the liver which primarily detoxifies food while aiding digestion is found to be increasingly susceptible to cancer in modern times. The malignant disease of the liver is estimated to kill no less than 8 lakh people annually even as 9 lakh new cases are reported every year,” said the RGCB director. Dr Ruby and her team is currently studying the mechanism of action of the compound and evaluating its efficacy against fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis and liver cancer caused by food toxins. This is done in collaboration with Dr L Ravishankar (CSIR-NIST, Thiruvananthapuram), who has developed a novel method to isolate the compound from solanum nigrum leaves.

Limitations and Precautions :

Manathakkali generally agrees with everyone including pregnant women and children. If had in moderation, manathakkali will not cause any problems at all. But with like any other greens, if had in excess or if it is not cooked properly will cause stomach problems like stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Delicious Food using Manathakkali :

1. Manathakkali/Black Nightshade Soup 
2. Manathakkali Poriyal
3. Manathakkali Vathal Kolambu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can Manathakkali vathal be consumed by everyone?

A. Yes

Q. How can I incorporate Manathakkali vathal into my diet?

A. You can make many delicious dishes using manathakkali.

Q. Are there any side effects of consuming Manathakkali vathal?

A.  Only if you have excess in quantity.

Q. Is it safe to consume Manathakkali vathal during pregnancy?

A. Yes.

Q. Can Manathakkali vathal prevent chronic diseases?

A. Yes, It prevents chronic diseases.