Kakamachi

(Garden Nightshade)
Sanskrit: काकमाची • Botanical: Solanum nigrum Linn.

Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) or Makoy is a common weed found up to 6000 feet elevation. The berries and whole plant are used medicinally. It is described as bitter, pungent, light, unctuous, with anushna (not excessively hot) potency. It is especially valued as a liver tonic (Yakritottejaka) and rejuvenative. The text notes it benefits the eyes (Chakshushya), voice (Svarya), treats fever, swellings, and skin diseases. The ripe berries are edible and nutritious. The plant contains Solanin (Solanine) alkaloid which can be toxic in large doses. This is an important hepatoprotective herb used in liver disorders including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Solanine content requires careful dosing. Verse refs: pages 438-439.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Not excessively hot (Ushna (hot) / Anushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Solanin (Solanine alkaloid), glycoalkaloids
Also Known As
English: Garden Nightshade, Black Nightshade
Sanskrit: काकमाची, काकाहवा, ध्वांक्षमाची
Hindi: मकोय, गुर्दी

What is Kakamachi (Black Nightshade / काकमाची)?

Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) or Makoy is a common weed found up to 6000 feet elevation. The berries and whole plant are used medicinally. It is described as bitter, pungent, light, unctuous, with anushna (not excessively hot) potency. It is especially valued as a liver tonic (Yakritottejaka) and rejuvenative. The text notes it benefits the eyes (Chakshushya), voice (Svarya), treats fever, swellings, and skin diseases. The ripe berries are edible and nutritious. The plant contains Solanin (Solanine) alkaloid which can be toxic in large doses. This is an important hepatoprotective herb used in liver disorders including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Solanine content requires careful dosing. Verse refs: pages 438-439.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Rasayana (rejuvenative)
  • Yakritottejaka (liver stimulant)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
  • Svarya (improves voice)
  • Jvaraghna (reduces fever)
  • Shothahara (reduces swelling)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Kushthaghna (treats skin diseases)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Kakamachi by Condition

Explore how Kakamachi is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Kakamachi for Inflammation
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Kakamachi for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.