Chemical Composition

The entire plant, especially the roots, contains steroidal saponins and alkaloids such as solasodine and solasodionin. It also has diosgenin and flavonoids.

Properties and Effects

Solanum procumbens has a slightly pungent taste, warm nature, and mild toxicity. It has properties that help dispel wind-dampness, detoxify, dissolve phlegm, relieve cough, reduce pain, and stop bleeding.

Uses, Indications, and Combinations

It is commonly used to treat influenza, allergies, whooping cough, back pain, joint pain, rheumatism, and snake bites. The recommended dosage is 16-20g of roots or stems and leaves, prepared as a decoction, liquid extract, or pill form. For external use, fresh plant parts can be crushed, and the juice extracted for drinking, while the residue is applied as a poultice. The liquid extract of Solanum procumbens is also used as a mouthwash for treating gingivitis and periodontitis.

In folk medicine, the roots of Solanum procumbens are rubbed on the teeth before drinking alcohol to prevent intoxication. Additionally, a decoction of the roots is given to those who are already intoxicated to help sober them up.

Traditional Remedies

1. Treatment for Snake Bites

   • Take 30-50g of fresh Solanum procumbens root, wash and crush it, then mix with about 200ml of cooled boiled water. Extract the juice and give it immediately to the victim.

   • Repeat twice a day.

   • The next day, use 15-30g of dried root, roast it lightly, and prepare as a decoction to drink twice a day for 3-5 days until fully recovered.

2. Treatment for Rheumatism

   • Use 20g each of Solanum procumbens root, Canarium album bark, Achyranthes bidentata root, Derris scandens vine, Smilax glabra vine, and Rosa laevigata root.

   • Prepare as a decoction and drink.

3. Treatment for Cough and Whooping Cough

   • Use 10g of Solanum procumbens root and 30g of lemon leaves.

   • Prepare as a decoction and drink twice a day.

4. Treatment for Swollen Gums

   • Use 4g of Solanum procumbens seeds, grind them finely, and place them in a metal container with a small amount of beeswax.

   • Burn the mixture and inhale the smoke directly onto the affected gums (as per Bach Gia Tran Tang).