Musumusukkai

Tamil Name - முசுமுசுக்கை

Solanum trilobatum is a thorny creeper that bears bluish purple flowers and small sized fruits. It is also called the purple fruited pea eggplant. It is propogated by seeds. It has been called the kayakalpa in Siddha medicine. The whole plant - the leaves, stem, flowers and fruit is used as medicine, and as a natural home remedy for various conditions. It can be cooked to make tasty and healthy dishes. The plant is said to contain natural steroids. Steroidal alkaloid Solasoline present in the fruit and leaf of the plant can be used for steroidal drug production. It's health benefits are various. It is a rejuvenator and has been traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases. According to 'Encyclopedia of world medicinal plants' by T. Pullaiah, the plant is said to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antimitotic (that stops cell growth by cell division) and anti-tumour activities.

The Solanum trilobatum possesses antioxidant and hepatoprotective (protecting the liver) properties which protects against UV induced damage and radiation-induced toxicity in mice. It also has antimicrobial properties. In a study published in the International Journal of Cancer Reasearch, it was found that when Solanum trilobatum was administered along with paclitaxel, it prevents LPO (the level of lipid peroxides from increasing) and protects antioxidant system strongly against Benzo(a)pyrene induced lung cancer, in Swiss albino mice. Its health benefits extend to curing asthma and respiratory problems. It is also recommended for gas and gastric problems.

Home remedies with Solanum trilobatum

    It is good for asthma. The juice of the leaves is taken orally. The ripe fruit is soaked in pure honey and consumed to treat asthma and long-standing colds.

    The leaves help cure all kinds of lung disorders, respiratory problems and help digestion

    Solanum trilobatum ground with cows milk and taken in the morning is an effective home remedy for relieving cough.

    The leaves ground to a paste with pepper and ingested, helps relieve stomach pain caused by heat and excessive gas.

    In Siddha medicine, the leaves are said to produce blood and prevent the thickening of the blood, which leads to many diseases.

    The leaf's juice is said to cure dullness of hearing, and can be used as eardrops.

    The flower is said to improve mental ability.

    The leaves are considered to be good for tuberculosis and difficulty in breathing.

    Dried and powdered fruit is said to be a good home remedy for rheumatism, constipation and gastric problems.

The Solanum trilobatum leaves can be made into a delicious chutney and included in your diet twice a week for general well being.