Solanum

Solanum (from the Latin solar, to comfort, to soothe, which refers to its medicinal properties), also known as nightshade, is a genus in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It has around 1500 species and is found almost worldwide.
As a rule, they are short-lived or perennial herbaceous plants, in the tropics also shrubs or trees up to 20 m high. The leaves have entire margins and are toothed or lobed. The flowers are predominantly small, white, yellow to purple in color. Well-known useful plants of the genus are Solanum tuberosum (potato), Solanum melongena (eggplant) and Solanum lycopersicum(tomato).
Many Solanum species are poisonous to humans or have poisonous parts.
The cause of this toxic effect are various steroid alkaloids, Solanum alkaloids (e.g. solanine), which are used systemically as diuretics and anti-inflammatory agents and externally as anti-inflammatory (anti-eczematous) applications.