# Brihati

> Brihati (Solanum indicum L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Solanaceae family. Documented in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as component of Dashamula; referenced in WHO SEARO traditional medicine inventories.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Solanum indicum L.
- **Family:** Solanaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Documented in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as component of Dashamula; referenced in WHO SEARO traditional medicine inventories

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Brihati |
| Latin/Botanical | *Solanum indicum L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Solasodine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasodine) (steroidal alkaloid)
- [Solanine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solanine)
- [Solamargine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solamargine)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin)
- [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin)
- [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin)
- Steroidal [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Steroidal glycosides and solasodine inhibit NF-kB-mediated production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in macrophages
- Respiratory: [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) exert bronchodilatory effect through muscarinic receptor antagonism and mast cell stabilization
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/): Solamargine induces apoptosis in cancer cells via caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Respiratory disorder treatment (Kasa-Shwasa) validated by bronchodilatory and anti-asthmatic activity in [histamine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#histamine)-induced bronchospasm models
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed through significant reduction in carrageenan and formalin-induced edema in animal studies
- Anthelmintic use (Krimighna) supported by in vitro activity against Pheretima posthuma and Ascaridia galli

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Glycoalkaloids (solanine, solamargine) are toxic at high doses; must use only properly processed preparations at Ayurvedic therapeutic doses
- Contraindicated in pregnancy; steroidal alkaloids may exhibit teratogenic effects at high concentrations in animal studies

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Solasodine
- Solanine
- Solamargine
- Sitosterol
- Apigenin
- Luteolin
- Diosgenin
- Glycosides

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath Ghana (solid extract), As component of [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg extract capsule; commonly used as part of [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) formulation

**Bioavailability:** Solasodine glycoalkaloids show moderate oral bioavailability (25-35%). Steroidal alkaloids are generally well absorbed due to lipophilicity. Diosgenin-related [saponins](/reference/saponins/) undergo hydrolysis in the gut. Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid show good oral absorption (40-60%). Decoction form provides better extraction of alkaloids than cold preparations.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for respiratory conditions; as Dashamoola Kashayam after meals for anti-inflammatory effects

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to [solasonine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasonine) NLT 0.5%; total steroidal alkaloids NLT 1.5%. Fruit extract standardized to solasodine NLT 1%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Protect from moisture. Alkaloid content stable under proper storage conditions.

**Marker Compounds:** Solasonine, Solamargine, Solasodine, Diosgenin, [Carpesterol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carpesterol), Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Beta-sitosterol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:16 reduced to 1:4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for alkaloid-rich fractions
- Acid-base extraction for steroidal alkaloid isolation
- Ethanol extraction (95%) for saponin profiling
- As part of Dashamoola Kwath (combined decoction)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) as Brihati-[Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) Dvandva for respiratory disorders
- With other Dashamoola herbs for anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) synergy
- With [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) for bronchial conditions
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for Kapha-Vata respiratory conditions
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for fever management

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/brihati/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.