Dulcamarae stipites

Dulcamarae stipites refers to the phytotherapeutically used stems of the bittersweet nightshade, a medicinal plant of the Solanaceae family (nightshade family). Stipites Dulcamarae find systemic and external, medicinal use. The dried, 2- to 3-year-old stems (bittersweet stems - Solani dulcamarae stipites) are used medicinally; the stems are collected in early spring or after the leaves fall in late fall.

HMPC -monograph: traditional-use: external: mild, chronic eczema
ESCOP: not yet processed
Commission E-monograph: chronic eczema.

Due to lack of data, use in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Identical applies to children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

The ingredients of Dulcamarae stipites are the steroid alkaloids solanine, soladulcidine, solasonine and solamarin. Furthermore saponins (e.g. dulcamaric acid), the glycosidic bitter substance dulcamarin as well as various other steroidal alkaloids. Tanning agents.

Side effects: Contact allergies to the plant parts as well as to the wool wax alcohols contained in the ointment in the case of Dermatodoron® or cetylstearyl alcohol in the case of Cefabene® are possible.

External applications: available in ointment form (commercial preparation: ^Cefabene®, ^{Dermatodoron®}); contains ethanol and cetylstearyl alcohol in addition to extracts of Solanum dulcamara; may sting if the skin is still irritated by inflammation. The crushed drug is also used as a tea for external application (1-2g drug for tea infusion or decoction).

A quadrant test = open exposure on affected skin is recommended for the ready-made remedies!

Systemic applications (folk applications): Extracts of the plant are available as alcoholic extracts - contains ethanol and liqueur wine ^{Dermatodoron®}.

Cefabene® and Dermatodoron®, available in ointment form.

Dermatodoron® Dilution or Dulcamara Similiaplex® is available for internal use. (Dosage: Adults and adolescents from 12 years 10-20 drops, children from 6-11 years 10-15 drops, infants and toddlers up to 5 years 5-10 drops. Take the drops diluted with water 1 to 3 times a day)

There is a positive monograph of Commission E as a supportive therapy for eczema. Secured studies on different types of eczema. Indications are not yet available.

Cosmetics: Extracts from the plant stems are used in cosmetic formulations under the INCI label "Solanum dulcamar extract".

1. Calapai G et al. (2016) Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - Part 3: Mentha × piperita - Solanum dulcamara. Contact Dermatitis 74:131-144.
2. Niedner R (1996) Solanum dulcamara L.--a "plant cortisone"?. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 19:339-340.
3. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/bittersuesser-nachtschatten.php.
4. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-solanum-dulcamara-l-stipites_en.pdf
5. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 83-84