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Black nightshade
Definition:
Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from the black nightshade plant.

Alternative Names:
Common nightshade; Morelle noire; Wonderberry

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • solanine (very toxic even in small quantities)
  • atropine
Where Found:
  • black nightshade
The toxin is found throughout the plant but especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
Do not induce emesis (vomiting) unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the plant and the parts eaten
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
Expectations (prognosis):
Death has been reported from ingesting nightshade, but this is rare.
Review Date: 1/15/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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