Solanum lyratum
Solanum lyratum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. B1D4 — Solanum lyratum
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IOverview
Overview
Solanum lyratum, known as the lyre-leaved nightshade, is a perennial plant native to regions including Cambodia, China (North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast), Hainan, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Growing up to 2 meters tall, it is notable for its ornamental value due to its distinctive lyre-shaped leaves. While primarily cultivated for its edible leaves, which are part of the plant's native range, S. lyratum does not have extensive documentation on medicinal uses.
Quick answers
What is Solanum lyratum?
Solanum lyratum, known as the lyre-leaved nightshade, is a perennial plant native to regions including Cambodia, China (North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast), Hainan, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Solanum lyratum used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Solanum lyratum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Solanum lyratum has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. Its use is based on the belief that it can enhance resistance against pathogens.
The mechanism by which Solanum lyratum supports immunity is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids that have been shown to modulate immune responses in related species.
- Traditional-use note: Solanum lyratum appears in herbal sources around traditional skin-care routines, often as a topical preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Solanum lyratum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Solanum lyratum thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial plant grows up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include the leaves, which are part of its culinary use. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Solanum lyratum for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, light-loving perennial that thrives in moist soil and partial shade.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for containers or garden beds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, and provide light shade if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth, but avoid cutting too much at once.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Solanum lyratum are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are often cooked to ensure safety, as some parts of the plant contain toxic compounds when raw. Typically, they are sautéed or steamed before consumption.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)CambodiaChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Broader regions
native:Hainan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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