CRITICAL REVIEW OF KAKAMACHI (Solanum nigrum Linn.)

Aim: To collect and comprehensively review information regarding the identification, pharmacological actions of Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum Linn.) The drug Kakamachi commonly known as black night shade found throughout India and has a long history of therapeutic tradition. It has been extensively used in traditional treatment for various ailments such as pain, inflammation and fever. A lot of research has also been conducted on this plant exploring its pharmacological action, but no review has comprehensively covered all aspects of Kakamachi. Materials and methods: The available literature on Kakamachi from original Ayurvedic scriptures, classical Ayurvedic texts from different periods, Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia, and scientific databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar, with kakamachi and Solanum nigrum as keywords. Conclusion: In this research work, it was found that Kakamachi can be used for its nutritive value and medicinally for preventing various metabolic disorders and skin ailments.