Kantakari: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!
By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Siddharth Gupta
Last updated: Oct 24, 2024 Published on: May 9, 2022
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By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
Table of Contents
Kantakari is the common name for the plant Solanum virginianum, which belongs to the Solanaceae family. The plant is one of the members of the Dashmula (an Ayurvedic formulation of ten herbs) of Ayurvedic medicine. It grows on sandy soil and is found all over India.1 This plant is also listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (an official publication presented with a list of medicinal drugs and their uses).2
Kantakari has a variety of regional names like Katai, Katali, Ringani, Bhatakataiya in Hindi; Febrifuge plant in English; Bhauringani, Kataringani in Marathi; Katvaedana, Kantakar in Assamese; Kantakari in Bengali; Bharingani in Gujrati; Nelagulla, Kiragulla in Kannada; Kath in Kashmiri; Kantakari chunda in Malayalam; Bhejibaugana, Ankarati, Chakada Bhoji in Oriya; Kandiari in Punjabi; Kandangatri, Kandankatri, Kandanghathiri in Tamil; Nelamulaka, Pinnamulaka, Mulaka in Telugu.2 Let’s take a dive into the nutritional value, kantakari benefits, kantakari uses and its side effects.
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Certain nutrients like carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids are all found in this plant. It contains phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins. It also contains coumarins, beta-sitosterol and solasodine.3
This plant may show a variety of helpful properties, including:
The potential uses of Kantakari against many disease conditions are given below.
Alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety are the most common brain conditions that affect individuals. Kantakari extract, when given to animals, showed anti-anxiety (relaxing), antidepressant (depression relieving) and memory enhancing benefits. These benefits could be due to the presence of certain phytochemicals in Kantakari.4 These effects of kantakari on the brain have been observed in animal trials. More studies are required to support the use of kantakari on the human brain. Therefore, you need to exercise precaution and avoid using kantakari without a doctor’s consultation.
The whole plant extract of Kantakari demonstrated antibacterial activity in a lab study, implying that it could be used to manage diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, another study revealed that Kantakari has potent antioxidant activity. Thus, it may be used as a natural antioxidant with efficacy in avoiding and controlling oxidative damage caused by free radicals.1 However, infections require medical diagnosis and treatment. If you are suffering from any infectious disease, make sure to consult your healthcare provider.
Asthma is an airway inflammatory (swelling) condition. The whole plant of Kantakari may be utilised to manage asthma. Histamine is a chemical present in our body that acts as a mediator for asthma. Kantakari extract could show potent antihistaminic activity and prevent airway contraction caused by histamine during a lab trial. Therefore, Kantakari may be used to manage asthma.6 However, if you are suffering from asthma, you need to talk to your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy to manage your symptoms.
Kantakari plant extract may show blood glucose-lowering properties in animal studies. The activity shown by Kantakari extract was comparable to that of Glibenclamide, a popular oral antidiabetic medication as observed in the trial. The results of the studies revealed that it had a significant blood glucose-lowering effect and thus may be beneficial for diabetes.6 Diabetes is a severe medical condition that requires you to adhere strictly to doctors advise and treatment. Consult your healthcare provider before you use any herbs to control blood sugar levels.
Kantakari or nelagulla extract was found to exhibit a liver protective effect in an animal study. In addition, Kantakari extract could help avoid liver toxicity. Therefore, Kantakari may be used for liver ailments and avoid liver damage.6 However, if you are suffering from any liver problems, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies as they may cause liver damage.
Certain components present in Kantakari show inflammation-reducing activity. Kantakari showed good anti-inflammatory benefits by targeting the key factors responsible for inflammation, according to an animal study. Kantakari might be used for the management and prevention of inflammation.6 More studies are required to support the use of Kantakari for inflammation, you are advised to talk to your healthcare provider and make well-informed choices.
Though there are studies that show the benefits of the herb in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of herb on human health.
As per Ayurveda, fumigation with kantakari may kill the bacteria in teeth. Its fumes are often administered as a controlled-doasge inhalation in dental pain and caries.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Lohasava: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
All plant parts have medicinal values and can be used as follows:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Ayurveda recommends the blood purifying activity of kantakari for various skin and blood disorders. However, it is always best to have a professional take a look at the signs associated with the disorder and diagnose the condition before he recommends the use of kantakari.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
There is no data available on the side effects associated with the use of Kantakari.
However, if you experience any side effects after using Kantakari, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Also, talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedy against disease conditions. It will help you avoid unwanted side effects.
Kantakari is a plant with medicinal value. There are certain precautions that need to be taken before using Kantakari.
There is a lack of data regarding the safety of Kantakari in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, its use should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
There is not enough scientific data available regarding the safety of Kantakari in children and elderly. Therefore, necessary precautions and proper consultation should be taken before giving it to them.
Before using Kantakari against any disease condition, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the possible precautions associated with it.
There is no sufficient evidence available on the interactions of Kantakari with other drugs. However, if you are taking medicines for any health conditions, you can talk to your doctor about the possible interactions of the drug with other herbs and medicines. This will help you make well-informed choices.
Also Read: Patha: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Kantakari is a medicinal plant used in the Ayurveda system of medicine. It is scientifically known as Solanum virginianum.1
Kantakari has a wide range of potential uses. The entire plant may be used to manage a variety of health conditions. You may use fruit paste to manage pimples and swellings. You may drink fruit juice to manage rheumatism and sore throat. The paste of leaves may be used to relieve pains and manage gonorrhoea. Seeds may be used to manage asthma and cough. Plant roots can be used as diuretics and expectorants (to loosen up mucous and manage cough).5 However, you are advised to talk to your healthcare provider before using kantakari or any herbal remedy against disease conditions.
Yes, Kantakari is used as Ayurvedic medicine. Kantakari is one of the members of the Dashmula of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is enlisted in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India.1,2 it should be taken under the guidance of an ayurvedic physician.
Kantakari is called a Febrifuge plant in English.2
Dried fruit ash can be used to relieve toothaches.1 However, if you are suffering from any dental problems, you need to consult your dentist.
Kantakari has a wide range of health benefits. It is used in managing diabetes, liver damage, inflammation, cancer, asthma, and brain disorders. It also possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.1,4,6 Before using Kantakari for any of these conditions, or health benefits, you should consult with a doctor.
Kantakari extract has shown blood-glucose-lowering benefits during animal trials. More studies are required to support the use of Kantakari in diabetes. Therefore, it should not be taken without consulting with a doctor. Kantakari should be taken under the supervision of your doctor.6
You can make a paste with the leaves of Kantakari. This paste can be applied to the skin to get the benefits.5 If you are suffering from any skin condition, you should consult with a skin doctor first before using anything. Kantakari should be used under the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor.
1. Prashith Kekuda TR, Raghavendra HL, Rajesh MR, Avinash HC, Ankith GN, Karthik KN. Antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiradical activity of Solanum Virginianum l. (Solanaceae). Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2017 Nov;10(11):163–7. Available from: https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ajpcr/article/view/20180
2. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-I Volume-I. Vol. 1. Government Of India Ministry of Health And Family Welfare Department Of Ayush; Available from: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf
3. Sayali S, Ashok R, Manju P, Vivek P. Preliminary Antimicrobial Study of Kantakari (Solanum Xanthocarpum Schrad & Wendl) By Ditch Plate Technique. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research [Internet]. 2019 Aug;7(5):23-7. Available from: https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1216
4. Javaid U, Javaid S, Ashraf W, Rasool MF, Noman OM, Alqahtani AS, et al. Chemical Profiling and Dose-Dependent Assessment of Fear Reducing and Memory-Enhancing Effects of Solanum virginianum in Rats. Dose Response [Internet]. 2021 Mar 4 [cited 2022 Apr 14];19(1):1559325821998486. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33746655
5. Teli N, Rane MH, Sahu NK, Ajgoankar SS, Teli NC, Verma DR. A Holistic Approach on Review of Solanum virginianum. L. Research And Reviews: Journal of Pharmacy And Pharmaceutical Sciences3 [Internet]. 2014;3(3). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292138201
6. Parmar S, Navin S. Solanum xanthocarpum (Yellow Berried Night Shade): A review. Scholars Research Library [Internet]. 2010;2(4):373–83. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267367491
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