Brihati — Indian Nightshade

Ayurvedic herb Brihati (Solanum indicum) — Indian Nightshade. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Katu, Tikta, Virya Ushna, Vipaka Katu. Balances Vata, Kapha.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

A member of the Dashamoola, Brihati is used to support respiratory health and is effective in treating cough and cold.

ⓘ Information
PropertyValueDescription
RasaKatu, TiktaKatu (Pungent) — stimulates digestion, circulation, expectorant; Tikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
GunaLaghu, RukshaLaghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness; Ruksha (Dry) — absorbs moisture, drying
ViryaUshnaUshna (Hot) — heating, increases metabolism and Pitta
VipakaKatuKatu (Pungent) — post-digestive pungent, lightening
PrabhavaKasahara, Shothahara, DeepanaKasahara — relieves cough; Shothahara — anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling; Deepana — kindles digestive fire without digesting ama

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Brihati is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Kshudra, Simhi, Bahuputri, Vartaki

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Brihati are: moola, phala.

Main Indications

Brihati is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Shwasa, Kasa, Aruchi, Hridroga, Jwara.

Dosha Effects

Brihati pacifies Vata, Kapha.

It may aggravate Pitta when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Brihati is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH

Rasa (Taste)Kauu, Tikta
Guna (Quality)Laghu
Virya (Potency)Uṣḍa
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Kauu
Karma (Action)V¡tahara, Kaphahara, Dipana, P¡cana, Hrdya, Gr¡hi
Dose10-20 g of the drug for decoction.
Therapeutic Uses: Hrdroga, Jvara, śv¡sa, śūla, Agnim¡ndya
Important Formulations: Da¿amūla Ghrta, Da¿amūl¡riṣua
Botanical Name: Solanum indicum Linn. (Solanaceae)
Part Used: Rt.

Therapeutic Uses (IMPPAT Database)

Source: Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) v1.0 — CC BY 4.0

Part UsedTherapeutic UseIdentifiersReferences
fruitAntineoplastic agentsMESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392ISBN:9788172363093
fruitLiver diseasesMESH:D008107,UMLS:C0023895, DOID:409, ICD-11:SA0ZISBN:9788172363093
fruitPruritusMESH:D011537,UMLS:C0033774, ICD-11:EC90ISBN:9788172361266
leafPruritusMESH:D011537,UMLS:C0033774, ICD-11:EC90ISBN:9788172361266
leafVomitingMESH:D014839,UMLS:C0042963, ICD-11:MD90.1ISBN:9788172361266
rootAnthelminticsMESH:D000871,UMLS:C0003158, ICD-11:XM4EC0ISBN:9788172361266
rootAsthmaMESH:D001249,UMLS:C0004096, DOID:2841, ICD-11:CA23A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat), ISBN:9788172361266
rootColicMESH:D003085,UMLS:C0232488, ICD-11:MD81.4ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266
rootCommon coldMESH:D003139,UMLS:C0009443, DOID:10459, ICD-11:CA00ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266
rootCoughMESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat), ISBN:9788172361266
rootDysuriaMESH:D053159,UMLS:C0013428, ICD-11:MF50.7ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266
rootExpectorantsMESH:D005100,UMLS:C0015314ISBN:9788172361266
rootFeverMESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat), ISBN:9788172361266
rootFlatulenceMESH:D005414,UMLS:C0016204, ICD-11:ME08ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266
rootLabor painMESH:D048949,UMLS:C0474368ISBN:9788172361266
rootToothacheMESH:D014098,UMLS:C0040460, ICD-11:DA0A.YISBN:9788172361266