in botany, a genus of the pentandra monogynia clasps. The corolla is rotated; the antherae are very close together, opening with a double pore at the points; and the berry has two cells. There are 30 species, two of them natives of Britain, viz., the nigrum, or common nightshade; and the dulcamara, or woody nightshade.

Common nightshade is used to allay inflammations.

Some years ago, the internal use of the solanum was much recommended by some writers, in cancerous cases, foul ulcers, and scurbutic eruptions: however, later experience has found this simple to be not only of little or no efficacy in such cases, but to be attended with actual danger to the patient.