Kantakari

(Yellow-berried Nightshade)
Sanskrit: कण्टकारी • Botanical: Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl.

Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), known as Chhoti Kateri, is a prominent member of the Laghu Panchamula and one of the most important herbs for respiratory conditions. It is a very prickly, diffuse herb found as a weed throughout India. The plant is covered with sharp thorns. The fruit is round and turns yellow when ripe (xanthocarpum = yellow fruit). It is especially valued for treating cough (Kasa) and asthma (Shwasa). Along with Brihati, it forms the pair 'Kantakari-dvaya'. The text describes it as having strong Kapha-dissolving properties, making it one of the best drugs for respiratory disorders. Its smoke is used for inhalation in asthma treatment.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Solasonine, Solamargine, Potassium chloride, Potassium nitrate. Contains steroidal alkaloids and saponins.
Also Known As
English: Yellow-berried Nightshade, Thorny Nightshade
Sanskrit: कण्टकारी, निदिग्धिका, दुस्पर्शा, क्षुद्रा, व्याघ्री
Hindi: छोटी कटेरी, कटेली, कटाई, भटकटैया, रींगणी

What is Kantakari / Chhoti Kateri (कण्टकारी / छोटी कटेरी)?

Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), known as Chhoti Kateri, is a prominent member of the Laghu Panchamula and one of the most important herbs for respiratory conditions. It is a very prickly, diffuse herb found as a weed throughout India. The plant is covered with sharp thorns. The fruit is round and turns yellow when ripe (xanthocarpum = yellow fruit). It is especially valued for treating cough (Kasa) and asthma (Shwasa). Along with Brihati, it forms the pair 'Kantakari-dvaya'. The text describes it as having strong Kapha-dissolving properties, making it one of the best drugs for respiratory disorders. Its smoke is used for inhalation in asthma treatment.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Kasahara (relieves cough)
  • Shwasahara (relieves asthma/dyspnea)
  • Deepani (kindles digestive fire)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Kasa (cough)
  • Shwasa (asthma/dyspnea)
  • Jwara (fever)
  • Parshavaruk (flank pain)
  • Pinasa (chronic rhinitis)
  • Aruchi (anorexia)
  • Krimi (worms)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Kantakari by Condition

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

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Kantakari for Digestive Health
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Kantakari for Immunity & Disease Prevention
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Kantakari for Pain Management
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Kantakari for Parasites & Worms
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Kantakari for Respiratory Health
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Kantakari for Sinus & Allergies

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.