# Kantakari

> Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (syn. S. surattense Burm. f., S. virginianum L.)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Solanaceae family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as a key Dashamula ingredient; listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (syn. S. surattense Burm. f., S. virginianum L.)
- **Family:** Solanaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as a key Dashamula ingredient; listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kantakari |
| Latin/Botanical | *Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (syn. S. surattense Burm. f., S. virginianum L.)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Solasonine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasonine)
- [Solamargine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solamargine)
- [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin)
- [Solasodine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasodine)
- Caffeic acid
- [Carpesterol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carpesterol)
- Esculentin ([coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin))
- Beta-carotene

## How does it work?

- Bronchodilatory: Steroidal [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) and glycoalkaloids inhibit [histamine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#histamine) and acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm through muscarinic receptor antagonism
- Anti-asthmatic: Solasodine stabilizes mast cells, reduces IgE-mediated degranulation, and suppresses eosinophil infiltration in airways
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/): Caffeic acid and [coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins) (esculentin) reduce lipid peroxidation and restore hepatic glutathione levels

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Bronchodilatory use for asthma and cough (Shwasa-Kasahara) validated through histamine-induced bronchospasm reversal in animal models
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) action (Mutrala) confirmed by significant increase in urine volume and electrolyte excretion in rats
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) use supported by fever reduction in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model

## 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

- Safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses; steroidal glycoalkaloids may cause gastrointestinal irritation at excessive doses
- Should not be used during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant activity of steroidal compounds; avoid in patients with known nightshade sensitivity

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (juice), Avaleha (confection), Capsule, Syrup, Nebulizer solution (experimental)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily; 10-20 mL juice; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 g Avaleha

**Bioavailability:** Steroidal alkaloids (solasonine, solamargine) show moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). Glycoalkaloids undergo partial hydrolysis in acidic gastric pH releasing aglycones with improved membrane permeability. Liposomal encapsulation of solasodine enhances pulmonary delivery for respiratory applications. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration increases bioavailability by ~40%.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for respiratory conditions; Avaleha can be taken anytime with warm water or milk; decoction best taken morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 0.5% total steroidal alkaloids (as solasonine) and 2% total [saponins](/reference/saponins/) by HPLC-ELSD

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder and capsules; 18 months for syrup; 12 months for Avaleha; decoction to be consumed within 24 hours

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Syrup and Avaleha require preservative system (sodium benzoate 0.1% for syrups). Protect powder from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Solasonine, Solamargine, Solasodine, Carpesterol, Diosgenin, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Caffeic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Acid-aqueous extraction for alkaloid enrichment
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction
- Microwave-assisted extraction for rapid processing

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Vasaka](/herb/vasaka/) (Adhatoda vasica) for bronchitis and asthma (Kantakari-Vasadi Kwatha)
- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for respiratory infections
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for cough suppressant formulations
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for Shwasa (asthma) management
- [Bharangi](/herb/bharangi/) for Kasa-Shwasa (cough-asthma) synergy

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

## 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.