Solanum dulcamara

"Snake berry" is a common name for several distinct plant species, most frequently Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade), Potentilla indica (Indian Mock Strawberry), and Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry) [8, 10]. It is not a recognized therapeutic target molecule such as a receptor or enzyme; instead, it serves as a botanical source for bioactive secondary metabolites, including steroidal glycoalkaloids like solanine and solasodine [1, 5]. These compounds have been investigated for their ability to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines by modulating the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins [2, 5]. In preclinical studies, plant extracts have also demonstrated the capacity to inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest [7]. Historically, preparations from these plants have been used in traditional folk medicine to treat conditions such as skin diseases, chronic inflammation, and respiratory infections [1, 5, 7]. However, "snake berry" is primarily documented in modern toxicology for its significant toxicity, as ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and potentially fatal respiratory failure [8, 11]. Consequently, while it is a subject of phytochemical research, it is classified as a toxic plant rather than a validated molecular target for drug development.

Other names

Snake berryBittersweet nightshadeWoody nightshadeScarlet berryDuchesnea indicaPotentilla indicaMock strawberryIndian strawberryActaea rubraRed baneberry

Contains bioactive phytochemicals like solanine and solasodine that inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and modulate the Bcl-2/Bax ratio to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells.