Utility of mako (solanum nigrum) in unani system of medicine

The various traditional systems such as Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha use several plant species to treat different ailments. The Unani (Greco-Arab) system of medicine has been practiced since ancient times for the treatment of range of diseases. Mako (Solanum nigrum) is an important plant in traditional medicines belonging to the Solanaceae family. The plant is cultivated throughout the country in dry parts, quite common in cultivated lands, road sides and gardens. The Unani physicians have prescribed Mako in various ailments like Ascites, Piles, Chronic cirrhosis of the liver, Gonorrhoea, rheumatic and gouty joints and various skin disorders. Through this paper, an effort has been made to collect information on medicinal properties of Mako mentioned in Unani classical literature as well as those which have been validated in the light of recent scientific studies.