BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: No synonyms listed.
The botanical name and part used must match the profile; a photograph alone is not sufficient grounds for consuming a plant.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Mild recurrent eczema
Traditional external use of older stems in a defined preparation. This information does not justify any ingestion.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Bittersweet is a toxic plant whose medicinal dossier is narrowly limited to topical use of prepared stems. Oral uses are not recognized by the EMA. Its traditional interest for mild recurrent eczema justifies neither harvesting it for ingestion nor improvised application of berries or leaves. Here, safety depends as much on the route of exposure as on composition.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Steroidal glycoalkaloids
- Constituents underlying the main toxicological concerns; their presence precludes equating biological activity with a usable benefit.Read the reference
Limited traditional external use
The assessment concerns symptomatic relief of mild recurrent eczema with the defined stem preparations.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
This profile helps explain a medicinal material, not prepare a home remedy. Never replace stems with berries; a professional must check the product and the suitability of external use.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Why oral use is excluded
- Type of research
- EMA toxicological and documentary assessment.
- Preparation concerned
- Solanum dulcamara stems and preparations intended for the skin.
- Observed results
- Systemic exposure is expected to be lower through the skin than through ingestion; this contributed to the external-use framework.
- Limitations to consider
- Oral safety documentation is insufficient and glycoalkaloids are toxic. Animal reproduction data reinforce caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What can we take from this?
A substance’s toxicity does not demonstrate an ability to treat cancer or infection. The absence of a recipe is intentional given the risk and available data.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
What is known about preparations?
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
No form of use is recommended in this profile.
05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- A plant that must not be used for self-treatment.
- Do not eat the fruits or improvise a preparation.
Medicine interactions
- Not sufficiently documented in this profile.
Adverse effects
- The risks require professional checking; no recipe proposed.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: medicinal use is not recommended due to insufficient data.
Children & adolescents
Medicinal use for adults only.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — Solani dulcamarae stipites: dossier and documentsAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — monograph: Solani dulcamarae stipitesAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — scientific assessment report: Solanum dulcamaraAccessed on 09/10/2026
Illustration: Kurt Stüber · Public domain. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
