Solanum

Solanum (from Latin solar comfort, soothe, which indicates its medicinal properties), also called nightshade, is a genus in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is extensive with about 1500 species and represented almost worldwide.
They are usually short-lived or perennial herbaceous plants, in the tropics also shrubs or trees up to 20 m high. The leaves of the leaves have entire margins, serrated or lobed. The flowers are predominantly small, white, yellow to violet in colour. Known useful plants of the genus are Solanum tuberosum (potato), Solanum melongena (eggplant) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato).
Many Solanum species are toxic to humans or have toxic parts.
The cause of this toxic effect are various steroid alkaloids (e.g. solanine), which are used systemically as diuretics and anti-inflammatory (anti-eczematous) applications.