SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY STUDY OF EASTERN BLACK NIGHTSHADE (SOLANUM PTYCANTHUM) BERRIES IN SPRAGUE‐DAWLEY RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Species of the Solanum nigrum complex, including eastern black nightshade (S. ptycanthum Dun.), are common nuisance plants, and their berries often contaminate agricultural commodities. Black nightshade plants and their fruits contain solanaceous glycoalkaloids, but little information is available regarding their toxicity in vivo. Male and female rats were fed diets containing 0, 1, 5 or 25% (w/w) eastern black nightshade berries (BNB) for 13 weeks. BNB had no effect upon clinical appearance and behavior, body weight, food and water consumption, serum chemical profiles or organ weights. Gross or microscopic lesions related to BNB were not found. Anemia was present in high‐dose males after six weeks and in mid‐dose males, high‐dose males and high‐dose females after 13 weeks. Erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits of these groups were significantly decreased and averaged 81–93% of their respective control values. Erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrits of males fed 1% BNB, females fed 1% BNB and females fed 5% BNB averaged 94–97% of the control values after 13 weeks. These findings indicate that ingestion of low to moderate amounts of S. ptycanthum berries does not pose a significant health risk, although anemia may be a potential consequence of prolonged exposure to highly contaminated foodstuffs.